Tennessee’s Historic Development Grants

Preserve Chattanooga joined forces with other Tennessee preservation organizations, government leaders, economic developers, architects, the National Trust and many others to advocate for a state credit for rehabilitating historic structures. Tennessee had been one of only a few states not offering such an incentive to pair with federal program. That changed in 2021.

In April 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly developed the Historic Development Grant Program (HDGP) and allocated $4.8 million to renovate and preserve the State’s historic buildings. The legislators recognized that historic buildings and their preservation expand the state’s economy, create new employment opportunities, revitalize and renew communities, create an environment for investment, and promote tourism and rural economic development.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development began accepting applications for the HDGP on May 15, 2021. Awards were made on a first-come, first-served basis triggered by the filing of a complete application. Learn more about the program below: