Downtown is home to two historic neighborhoods, Spanish Town & Beauregard Town. Most homes in these neighborhoods are WWII era and have tons of character and charm. Sometimes "character" may mean a few beauty marks and signs of ageing on the structures. In 20?? the Downtown Development Distrist insitutued the Downtown Residential Façade Improvement Grant Program to assist in the preservation of these homes. The program is designed to encourage and assist property owners to restore and improve the appearance of their residential properties.

Homeowners are encouraged, wherever possible, to make improvements that restore the structure's original character. This program is intended to provide both financial and intellectual support, which ultimately will contribute to Downtown's character and community! "Doing the work of historic preservation is very expensive, and it is nice to know that there is another way to minimize expenses. If and when we do another project, rest assured that we will contact the DDD to see if the grants are still available." - Property owners Lance Bennett and Ben Babin. Grants were awarded up to $500.00 per property to be used toward eligible improvements. In all, 20? properties have taken advantage of this program. These grants require a 50% match and do not have to be paid back to the Downtown Development District as long as the property owner meets the general requirements of the program.