Metro Nashville's Office of Economic and Community Development and the Metro Historical Commission are requesting proposals for a pilot grant program that will assist with the rehabilitation of historic commercial buildings in Davidson County.

Metro Council approved $150K in the fiscal 2017-18 budget for the program, the goal of which is to revitalize historic commercial corridors and encourage the preservation of Nashville’s cultural heritage.

Eligible properties must be within census tracts in which at least 65% of households are at or below 80% of area median income.

There are other criteria as well, such as being individually listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or being part of a district that is listed or eligible for the National Register.

"These historic commercial rehabilitation grants will assist local business owners with making repairs and revitalizing the essence of their historic building’s character," Mayor Megan Barry said in a statement.

Grants are available to cover up to 50% of the documented investment of the applicant, up to a maximum of $50K. Funding can only be used for exterior construction work or rehabilitation of commercial, nonresidential, historic buildings, and is provided as a reimbursement.