West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications for economic development grants to support and maintain historic properties, particularly those in historic districts across the state.

Funded through the National Park Service, the funds are appropriated by the U.S. Congress to support preservation efforts vital to the economic well-being of communities. Applications must be submitted online by 11:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19.

Full program details and access to the grant application portal are available at wvculture.org/shpo-grants. Applicants may contact Randy Hill at Randall.Hill@wv.gov
for additional information.

Eligible applicants include local governments, government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

Benefits of grants to property owners

Property owners can benefit financially and practically from grants designed to help maintain, restore, and protect buildings and sites. Here’s how they can make a difference.

1. Financial Assistance for Restoration and Maintenance

Repairing original windows, roofs, or masonry sometimes costs more than standard construction. Grants can help offset those expenses by covering part of, and sometimes most of, the cost. This financial support allows property owners to undertake necessary repairs or restoration work without shouldering the full burden.

2. Increased Property Value and Market Appeal

Properly restored historic properties often increase in value and attract buyers or tenants who appreciate architectural authenticity and cultural character. A grant-supported restoration can enhance curb appeal and overall marketability while maintaining the building’s historical integrity.

3. Eligibility for Additional Incentives

Grant-funded projects can also help property owners qualify for state and federal historic tax credits, which provide additional financial relief through income tax deductions or credits. In many cases, completing a grant project helps demonstrate compliance with preservation standards required for those tax benefits.

4. Technical Expertise and Guidance

Most grant programs provide access to historic preservation specialists who guide property owners through best practices for restoration. This ensures work is done correctly, with appropriate materials and methods, preserving both the structure’s historical accuracy and long-term stability.

5. Community Recognition and Heritage Stewardship

Participating in a preservation grant program connects property owners to a broader effort to protect local history. Restored properties often become community landmarks, enhancing neighborhood pride and tourism potential. In many cases, owners are publicly recognized for their stewardship of historic resources.

Grant funding can support a variety of projects, including architectural and archaeological surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, heritage education programs such as masonry or window restoration workshops, and planning and pre-development activities.

A virtual pre-application meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, to assist potential applicants in understanding the program and submission process. Those interested should register in advance at this link.

According to officials with the State Historic Preservation Office in Charleston, grant funding decisions are based on how well proposals meet the Criteria for Evaluation outlined in the grant materials.

Grant awards are expected to be announced in April 2026, pending approval of funding from the National Park Service. All funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.

Preservation taking the lead in West Virginia

From the cobblestone streets of Wheeling to the riverside shops of Charleston and the restored Victorian facades of Lewisburg, West Virginia’s historic properties are proving that preserving the past can be a powerful engine for future growth.

Across the Mountain State, communities that have embraced historic preservation are seeing clear economic rewards — revitalized downtowns, rising property values, new small businesses, and thriving tourism industries that celebrate local culture and craftsmanship.

In Wheeling, the city’s rich industrial heritage has become a cornerstone of its modern economic revival. Once known as the “Gateway to the West,” Wheeling’s downtown was filled with historic warehouses and commercial buildings that had fallen into disrepair.

Through a combination of state historic preservation grants and federal tax credits, developers have restored several of those structures into apartments, restaurants, and creative workspaces.

The revitalized Wheeling Artisan Center and the Heritage Port area now attract thousands of visitors each year, proving that a strong preservation ethic can transform once-declining districts into vibrant, income-generating destinations. City officials note that for every dollar invested in historic rehabilitation, local businesses and tourism bring multiple dollars back into the community.

Charleston, the state’s capital, has also leaned on its architectural heritage to boost its economy and quality of life. Projects like the restoration of the Clay Center and the redevelopment of the East End and Elk City districts have blended old and new, creating spaces where entrepreneurs, artists, and residents gather.

The charm of brick storefronts and repurposed industrial spaces has drawn businesses ranging from breweries to boutiques, all adding energy to Charleston’s growing downtown corridor.

In smaller communities like Lewisburg, Shepherdstown, and Fayetteville, preservation has gone hand in hand with tourism. Each of these towns has leveraged its historic core to attract visitors seeking local culture, food, and outdoor recreation. In Lewisburg, for instance, the town’s carefully maintained 19th-century buildings house theaters, inns, and artisan shops that have made it a perennial favorite on “America’s Coolest Small Towns” lists.

Likewise, Shepherdstown’s historic streets draw heritage tourists from the nearby Washington, D.C. area, supporting local restaurants and lodging year-round. These towns demonstrate how investing in preservation can build economic resilience, especially in rural regions where tourism dollars are vital.

Historic rehabilitation is also a strong job creator. Unlike new construction, which relies heavily on prefabricated materials, restoration work is labor-intensive and demands skilled local craftsmanship — from stonemasons and carpenters to electricians and painters.

According to data from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, rehabilitation projects create more local jobs per dollar than new construction while reusing existing infrastructure, saving resources, and reducing environmental impact.

Ultimately, West Virginia’s growing investment in its historic fabric is more than nostalgia: it’s smart economics. By preserving historic properties, communities strengthen their sense of place, attract investment, and build sustainable futures rooted in authenticity.

As more towns rediscover the value of their architectural heritage, West Virginia’s historic streetscapes are once again coming alive — not as relics of the past, but as engines of opportunity and pride for generations to come.