In today’s fast-paced economy, it doesn’t take long for a once-modern industrial building to become obsolete. But companies and communities looking to update older buildings can tap state support through the Building Reuse Grant Program.
Administered by the Rural Economic Development Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the program provides matching funds to property owners and tenants for modernization of electrical systems, plumbing, lighting, HVAC, security features and more.
The result is not just better buildings, but permanent jobs for rural communities. Thus far in 2015, the program has awarded a total of more than $7.35 million across 30 projects.
Among the recipients is Huntington House Furniture, a manufacturer of fabric and leather furnishings in Taylorsville. Building Reuse funds are helping the firm renovate a vacant 150,000-sq.-ft. building constructed in 1985. “The process has been a lot simpler than we anticipated,” said Corey Teague, president of the family-owned company. Huntington House will add 40 workers to its Alexander County operations upon completion of the project at the end of the year. “It’s been smooth, and we’re actually running ahead of schedule,” Teague said.
Building Reuse proposals can be submitted during six grant cycles throughout the year. The next application deadline is September 8. To explore ways this innovative program can spur job growth in your community, visit nccommerce.com/rd.