The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) has awarded the City of Rockwood a $100,000 Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG). At least $50,000 of this funding will be allocated to the City’s new Façade Improvement Subgrant Program. The competitive grant, administered by TNECD’s Community and Rural Development Division, is designed to preserve and maintain older buildings in downtown districts, stimulate economic opportunities, and enhance the overall appearance and livability of the area.

As the primary grantee, the City of Rockwood will establish a subgrant program and accept applications from owners of eligible properties within the downtown district. To qualify, properties must be at least 50 years old and house active for-profit or non-profit commercial businesses (active religious facilities and municipal buildings are ineligible).

All projects must comply with TNECD DIG Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, where applicable. A committee will review and score all eligible applications to select recipients. The City will host a public meeting on Monday, April 27, at 5:00 p.m. EST at the Rockwood Municipal Building (110 North Chamberlain Avenue) to introduce the program, answer questions, and encourage interested property owners to submit a letter of intent.

Letters of intent are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on May 29, 2026. The project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.