Grants are available for building and property owners looking to improve the facades of their buildings, according to Vision Lampasas! representatives.

The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until Sept. 1, however design committee members Ron Hall and Colleen Eckermann encouraged residents to get their applications in early.

“With dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $1,000, funds won’t last long,” they said. “In the early stages of planning, Vision Lampasas! was told from citizens that they desired incentives as a catalyst for reinvestment in the historic district, and these grants are one of several incentives the group is initiating.”

A $1 million low-interest loan pool exists, and fee waivers and tax abatements are in the works.

Interested individuals can pick up a grant application at City Hall or at www.visionlampasas. comGrants.

Grants are earmarked for buildings in the National Registered Historic District. The Vision Lampasas Design Committee will review the applications.

Each applicant is encouraged to read the newly published Design Guidelines Manual available at the City Administration building or on the Vision Lampasas! Web site.

The manual was established to reinforce good design and will be used as a resource to ensure that the historic nature of the central business district will remain intact, said a committee member.

Facade grants are considered an investment in the historic district leveraging private-sector funds. Visitors are drawn to Lampasas because of its culture and stock of historic buildings, and the historic nature of the central business district sets the city apart from other communities.

No grants will be made for work already performed. All work must be started in 60 days and completed within 90 days. Grants are for exterior improvements only and must be visible to the general public.

Typical projects are canopies, awnings, signage, window replacement, painting, facade repair or restoration.

Funds will be reimbursed after payment, inspection and completion of work.

“I can’t think of a reason why anyone wouldn’t want to use this as an opportunity to do some of the work they have been contemplating for a while,” said Dianna Hodges, chairman of Vision Lampasas!.

For more information, call Jill Jones Carroll at 556-5172.