New Braunfels City Council has approved the first recipient of the Downtown Business Improvement & Preservation Grant, awarding Celebrations Bridal and Prom a grant of $5,000 that will help reimburse the business for a portion of an upcoming building improvement project.
This grant program is offered by the City of New Braunfels to downtown business and property owners using funds generated by the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #3). This includes funding for building façade or other exterior improvements, residential and commercial conversions, and improvements to public infrastructure for businesses and property within the Downtown TIRZ boundary. Applications are accepted throughout the year and are evaluated by the Downtown TIRZ Board and approved by City Council. Eligible improvements can receive a reimbursement of up to 25% of a project’s cost, based on the amount of funding available.
Celebrations applied for a grant in January of 2024, and their application was reviewed by the TIRZ #3 Board at their meeting on February 12th where the board unanimously agreed that the renovation project met the grant requirements for Façade/Exterior Improvements. Specifically, the project includes the replacement of the building’s roof, fascia boards, and business sign. The renovations are expected to begin in March and the grant money will be issued as a reimbursement once the project is complete.
“With this first selection for the grant program we are hopeful that more downtown property owners will be inspired to begin projects to preserve and improve their buildings and add other enhancements,” said Economic and Community Development Director Jeff Jewell. “A goal of the program is to incentivize property owners and businesses to undertake deferred maintenance or other upgrades they may have been contemplating, but that often prove themselves cost prohibitive. That includes building-specific projects like the one at Celebrations, but also includes enhancement projects like lighting, landscaping, shade structures, street furniture, and public art, as well as improving public infrastructure and the right-of-way.”
To learn more about the Downtown Business Improvement & Preservation Grant program, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/TIRZ3. Or, to begin the application process, use the Downtown TIRZ Grant Online Application Form.