Grants Available For Historic Preservation Projects

Do you know of a historic preservation project that could use a financial boost?

Hillsborough County is seeking applicants for its Historic Preservation Challenge Grant program. The deadline to apply is July 31 at 3 p.m.

Started in 2012, the grant program promotes historic preservation, heritage tourism and related economic development in both incorporated and unincorporated Hillsborough County.

Grant funds will be awarded to selected individuals or organizations on a matching basis of up $250,000 per applicant.

A Challenge Grant Review Committee made up of nine residents with expertise in historic preservation, architecture, interior design, tourism and economic development will review the applications and make recommendations. The Hillsborough County Commission will then vote on recipients.

Eligible projects include rehabilitation or restoration of historic structures, additions to historic structures, improvements to historic sites and architectural heritage tourism projects.

Projects funded last year include $10,000 to develop a cell phone tour through Plant Park; $10,000 to purchase equipment to archive historic documents at the Tampa Bay History Center; $20,000 for multimedia productions for the Visitor Information Center at Centro Ybor; $9,600 for the completion of Ybor City's Historic District buildings tour; $100,000 to secure and enhance the Italian Club Cemetery; $150,000 for Tampa Theatre renovations; and $64,000 to restore St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church in Tampa Heights.

For more information and an application, visit the county's website or contact Joselle Pulgaron with the Economic Development Department at pulgaronj@hillsboroughcounty.org or 813-272-5560.