Application Deadline Extended for Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program

April 17, 2020 - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is extending the Round XI grant application deadline for its award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) until Monday, May 11, 2020 at 5pm.

“County governments across the state are struggling with unexpected challenges that impact their normal operations,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “We want to give Texas counties ample time to prepare their applications and take advantage of this fantastic economic development opportunity.”

The THCPP provides partial matching grants for the preservation of historic county courthouses. While restoring the courthouse’s original architectural integrity is an important goal of the program, modernization of accessibility, security, mechanical, communication, electrical, and plumbing systems and complying with life safety codes, are crucial to the structures' continued performance. 

The program awards three types of grants: planning grants for the production of architectural plans and specifications; construction grants for restorations and rehabilitations; and emergency grants to address critical issues endangering a historic courthouse or its occupants, including damage caused by natural disasters. The program received a $25 million appropriation from the 86th Texas Legislature for the 2020–21 biennium.

 The THCPP grant application procedures and forms are available on the THC’s website at thc.texas.gov/thcpp in the Round XI Funding Cycle section, along with construction plans and specifications, and new preservation master plans. Completed grant application materials are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 11, 2020, and the THC will announce grant recipients and awards at its quarterly meeting in late July 2020.

Since its creation in 1999, the program has worked with more than 135 counties, and awarded more than $290 million to fully restore 70 courthouses and provide smaller grants to assist with emergency and planning projects. In addition to providing safe and functional buildings, restoration of historic courthouses benefits the state and local economies. Courthouse preservation projects have created more than 11,356 jobs in Texas, generated more than $794 million in state economic impact, and returned about $47 million to Texas state and local governments through tax revenue.

For more information about the THCPP, contact Olivia Hillmer in the THC’s Architecture Division at 512-463-8821.