Historic Lebanon Main Street Revitalization

In 2013, with the guidance of Historic Lebanon’s master plan and assistance from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), city leaders created a new traffic pattern around the square and a streetscape project that added sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, underground utilities, and placemaking elements such as landscaping and improved lighting.

In 2016, Lebanon received a Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) that supported the renovation of five downtown buildings and business storefronts and catalyzed private investment for 18 additional building renovations.

A year later, Historic Lebanon and local partners used another TNECD Main Street Entrepreneur grant to locate a new entrepreneur center on the square, the Cumberland Ignite Lab. Many local entrepreneurs, business owners, and Cumberland University students and faculty have taken advantage of the classes, co-working space, and events. Ultimately, these main street revitalization projects created 40 new downtown jobs and supported the opening and expansion of 20 businesses.

Additional Funding Information:
The Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) has been discontinued, but similar projects to this one can be funded through the TNECD Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) program. Tennessee Main Street communities and communities that have participated in the Tennessee Downtowns program and have an active design committee are eligible for a grant from TNECD for downtown improvements.

Funding Sources