MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Downtown Murfreesboro has been awarded $300,000 from the state to help revitalize historic buildings near the square.
“We have grown so much in our historic downtown," Main Street Murfreesboro's executive director, Sarah Callender, said. "[There are] lots of new businesses and restaurants that have been opened in the last year, but we also have really old buildings."
Main Street Murfreesboro applied to for the grant, which will go towards improving the exterior of several buildings. Some of those buildings date back to the 1800s.
The Center for the Arts will see the biggest share of the grant, which will go towards renovating its façade and adding an accessible entrance to the front of the building.
“They have plays throughout the year," Callender added. "They have children's camps and classes that families can take, so they are an economic hub for the downtown."
The restaurant Marina’s on the Square will also receive grant money to paint and fix part of its deteriorating exterior walls.
"They're looking at restoring some of the front façade to the way the building was in the late 1800s,” Callender said.
In addition, Main Street Murfreesboro is looking to distribute money to two law firms, a pharmacy and a boutique downtown.
"Main Street's all about preservation and bringing economic vibrancy to a downtown and we can do that with this funding," Callender added. "[We're] very thankful."
Businesses will need to fund the money upfront for improvements and get reimbursed for renovations. All projects must be completed by the beginning of 2027.
For more information about events and happenings downtown, you can visit Main Street Murfreesboro’s website.