New grant available for modifying older buildings

The Constantine Downtown Development Authority has created a new grant program to offset costs of modifying existing, older buildings.

DDA director Diana Lammott said older buildings sometimes require additional costs to make the space usable.

Through the matching-grant program, the DDA will pay up to half the cost of a project, with the remainder coming from the building or business owner. The grant is capped at $5,000 and is paid when the work is complete.

Lammott said board members added a list of priority items to help guide them in making decisions on grants, such as work that will bring back a historic façade or projects that will support a local resident in opening a business.

The program is also available to existing businesses that are expanding, including those making use of outside space.