Local individuals, HPA to contribute toward downtown facade program

The city's downtown facade grant program has received a boost in financial support from the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County and local residents.

The City of Fort Scott, in a written statement, announced that HPA will match the city's amount for each individual grant for downtown businesses. The maximum amount a building owner can get is $500, so an owner now can get a maximum of $1,000 toward fixing up his or her building.

The grant program was started last year, when the city commission allotted $2,500 last year and another $2,500 this year. And the effort will be reviewed annually for renewal consideration.

The program allows owners to improve the outside of their buildings through painting, tuckpointing of brick, and awning and glass repair, according to the statement.

Owners who are interested in the program must contact the city and apply for funding. The commission must approve each application.

The commission has approved three applications from owners who have done work on their buildings or are planning to do upgrades.

Fort Scott Economic Development Director Dale Bunn, who's overseeing the program, said there are three more owners who have agreed to apply for the program.

Buildings that qualify for the program must be in the Historic Downtown District of Fort Scott, which is located between the Fort Scott National Historic Site on the north, Scott Avenue on the east, Third Street on the south, and National Avenue on the west. Building owners in this area can contact Bunn.

Steve and Elaine Buerge, of Fort Scott, has agreed to donate $200 for each project that involves painting the building in addition to other repairs like tuckpointing of brick. So an applicant, if approved, can get a total of $1,200 for the project. Work that doesn't include painting can receive a maximum of $1,000.

The Buerge's also serve on the Mayor's Phoenix Committee, which discussed implementing the program that's designed after a similar program the City of Pittsburg has in place.

Participants get the money after they've shown receipts from companies that performed the work, Bunn said.