Property owners along Route 66 will have a new incentive to preserve and rehabilitate historically significant structures as the Tulsa Route 66 Commission announces a new Façade Matching Grant Program, with funding from the Vision Tulsa Route 66 Revitalization Project.
An information session and grant launch event will take place Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. in the lobby of Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave. The event is free and open to the public, and online streaming can be viewed via the Tulsa Route 66 Commission’s Facebook event.
“The launch event is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, ask pertinent questions and even discuss specific projects with commissioners,” said Jessica Jackson Seay, Route 66 Commissioner.
The Route 66 Façade Matching Grant is a reimbursement of between $10,000 and $40,000 for eligible restoration expenses. It is a matching grant, meaning the applicant must cover the cost at a one-to-one ratio.
“We are thrilled to officially launch the Tulsa Route 66 Façade Matching Grant Program,” Jackson Seay said. “We know rehabilitating historic buildings the right way can increase project costs, and so we wanted to build this grant to help offset those costs and encourage this kind of restoration along Route 66 in Tulsa.”
Eligible structures include those within the Route 66 Ordinance Overlay District or the Downtown Route 66 Parcel Map. Structures must have been built prior to or during the years of Route 66 significance (1926-1959) and must be zoned commercial, industrial or mixed use.
“This new Route 66 grant program was made possible by the tireless dedication and years of hard work of Commissioners both past and present,” said Sam Extance, chairwoman of the Route 66 Commission. “As we approach the Centennial of Route 66 and prepare for record tourism, it is important that our historic properties and buildings be preserved. We hope that this program will catalyze historic preservation in new ways in Tulsa.”
For this grant, a façade is defined as the front exterior of a building and must be primarily visible from the street’s public right-of-way. Multiple addresses for the same building may be considered as separate facades for grant purposes if leased or owned as separate businesses.
Eligible restoration expenses include but are not limited to restoring or replacing original façade elements, restoration or replacement of historic window systems or light fixtures, as well as masonry and some roof repair. Eligible expenses also include building permit fees and removal of non-historic elements.
To receive funding, rehabilitation shall conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties as well as applicable local ordinances. The grant is a reimbursement once the project is completed and all the required documentation is submitted.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Tulsa Route 66 Commission. Applicants must receive a “Notice to Proceed” before any construction begins. Construction should begin within six to 12 months of grant approval.
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission has two other grant opportunities already. The Neon Sign Grant Program has seen 55 neon signs installed along the route in the last four years. Additionally, a new Special Event Grant launched in January.
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission was created in 2016 to support and assist ongoing efforts locally and statewide with both public and private entities involved in Route 66 matters. Members create and help implement specific strategies and plans to encourage economic development and promotion for Route 66.
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