Vacant Property Revitalization Program

Lewis County is targeting vacant and potentially unsafe or blighted properties within downtown areas to turn them into usable spaces for business development opportunities. The Vacant Property Revitalization Program will have immediate effects on our downtowns; enhancing our communities, driving business development, and bringing residents and tourists into down areas. By focusing on bringing these buildings back to life, the community will see an increase in the property tax base, the creation of local construction jobs, future employment within businesses, and an enhanced quality of life.

Program Guidelines

Project Eligibility:

The project must reduce blight, contributing to the economic recovery of downtown areas
The project must be a vacant building and/or floor (currently unused, or unable to be used due remediation or construction needs)
The project must include renovation of commercial buildings resulting in occupancy through new business or residential (residential occupancy includes 2nd floors and above)
The project must be financially feasible
The project must show community benefit, such as increased tax base, job creation or new business development

Financial Assistance:

Awarded projects will receive 50% of total project costs, up to $100,000 per project, and will be in the form of a reimbursement grant. Funding will be reimbursed to property owner once agreed upon milestones are met and project is complete.