LA GRANDE RECEIVES 2022 OREGON MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION GRANT

La Grande Main Street Downtown (Main Street) is proud to announce that La Grande is a recipient of the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant for the third cycle in a row. Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 28 matching grants worth $5,000,000 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that encourage economic revitalization. The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.  Projects range from façade improvement to basic facilities and housing with awards ranging from $23,850-$200,000.
 
La Grande’s award will go to the Bohnenkamp Building at 1301 Adams Avenue. This project was awarded the maximum of $200,000 in order to renovate the building façade, make the building more resilient to natural forces, and renovate the second floor to provide multiple new housing units. Oregon Heritage funds applications that best convey the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development and best fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, as well as community need.

     “La Grande Main Street is very excited to see this project be awarded funding. As one of our most prominent historic buildings, the Bohnenkamp Building is full of opportunity to further beautify the district, fully utilize a historic building, and increase housing availability in the downtown core,” said Taylor Scroggins, Executive Director for La Grande Main Street Downtown.“
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      He continued, “Having already seen the impact this grant can have on the community, like the impact it had in 2019 with the Liberty Theatre and Putnam Building, and in 2017 when awarded to the IOOF Building, we look forward to seeing this project move forward and bring the whole community with it.”

      “We are very excited to receive the Downtown Revitalization Grant,” said Mavis Hartz, owner of the Bohnenkamp Building. “We are looking forward to restoring the building to its former glory.  This first step will make the building much safer, as well as establish three beautiful apartments for rent.  We would like to thank everyone involved for the opportunity to increase the vibrancy of Downtown La Grande.”
This is a distinct honor and a recognition of La Grande’s historical significance and potential for future growth and development.  LGMSD will keep you updated on the progress of this exciting project.
 
To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant or the Oregon Main Street Network, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.