Texas Grants for Old Houses
Those living in older houses in Texas, or who want to fix up an old house, may qualify for historic preservation or rehabilitation grants. Houses in land-marked districts or with significant historical value or architecture are most likely to receive funding. Grants are available from federal, state and local sources. Historical houses in danger of being razed may receive emergency funding from agencies.
Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission offers certified local government grants to municipalities and county agencies with properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or a National Register Historic District. Grants include funding for restoration or rehabilitation of these sites. These are matching grants, which require a 50/50 ratio for all costs. Federal funding does not qualify for matching grants, with the exception of Community Development Block Grants. The Texas Historical Commission also oversees the Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant Program, which may fund the restoration of old houses if they have received historic designation.
Texas Historical Commission
1511 Colorado
Austin, TX 78701
512-463-6100
thc.state.tx.us
Grapevine
The city of Grapevine contains two historic districts. The Grapevine Township Revitalization Program, Inc. created by the governing body, is a non-profit organization assisting with architectural preservation of dwellings in the historic districts. The Grapevine city council has authorized a matching-grant program for renovation of exteriors of the districts' historic houses. The GRTP also aids in preserving worthy houses in danger of demolition. The GRTP rehabilitation program accepts donations of such homes and moves them within the township limits. After rehabbing, the house is sold for residential purposes.
City of Grapevine
PO Box 95104
Grapevine, Texas 76099
817-410-3000
grapevinetexas.gov
San Antonio Conservation Society
The San Antonio Conservation Society offers renovation and rehabilitation grants for residential properties a minimum of half a century old. Applicants must submit digital images of their house on the application form. They must supply a history of the building, including any landmark designation. Endangered properties receive priority. Grant money cannot be used for restoration projects that have already commenced, and funds must be used within one year. Architects and contractors must receive San Antonio Conservation Society approval before beginning work.
San Antonio Conservation Society
107 King William Street
San Antonio, TX 78204
210-224-6163
saconservation.org
References
Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.
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