Clarksville receives grant for downtown historic survey

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW)  – The Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, has announced 32 Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants totaling over $750,000. The grants were awarded for various historic preservation and archaeological projects throughout the state.

The grant from the preservation office for Clarksville-Montgomery County was $15,000. An additional $10,000 in either cash on in-kind donations has been budgeted for a downtown historic survey. The federally funded matching grants provide 60% of project funds from the HPF and 40% of project funds come from the grantee.

Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission Director, Jeff Tyndall talked about the downtown historic survey. “Every building that’s considered 50 years old or older is going to be having a snapshot taken of it, approximate age, condition, materials, use, and any known history behind it,” said Tyndall.

Tyndall added that the last downtown survey was taken in 1976. The new survey will be used to help with the design review when old buildings need reconstruction or additions. The Planning Commission will have more research done ahead of time for any projects in the future.

The grants are awarded annually for projects that support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources. “This program is one of the main ways in which our office helps protect historic places and contribute to the preservation of Tennessee’s heritage,” said Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer.

One of the grant priorities is for projects that are in Certified Local Governments (CLG), a program that allows communities to participate closely in the federal program of historic preservation.

Seven CLG communities, including the City of Clarksville, were awarded grants this year. Additional priorities include those that meet the goals and objectives of the office’s plan for historic preservation. Properties that use the restoration grants must be listed in the National Register.