Inaugural Economic Development Historic Grapevine Commercial Façade Program Recipients Chosen

Exterior facades on Main Street in Grapevine that will be updated with grant funds


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Launched in 2026, the Economic Development Historic Grapevine Commercial Façade Program was designed to help local merchants offset the cost of repairs that contribute to the charm of Main Street. The program provides grant funds to match or defray project expenses for design elements on buildings constructed 50 or more years ago. Approved renovations are required to restore or duplicate original materials and building methods as accurately as possible, making the renewal more complex than a standard building update.

In its inaugural year, this pilot program was authorized to provide match funds of up to $10,000 per project, with all grants paid by Grapevine Economic Development using sales tax revenue. By reinvesting those funds in cooperation with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City will maintain the unique appeal of the area while supporting the men and women who give our Historic District its nationally recognized character. 

The recipients for 2026 are as follows:

A faded sign that reads "City Drug"

City Drug (406 S Main St.)

Among the most recognizable signs on Main Street, the City Drug marquee has faded to the point of near-illegibility and lost nearly all of its original color. Grant funds will be used to remanufacture the sign panels for installation above the banner for current tenant The Wildflower Outlaws, enhancing visibility for a building that has stood on Main Street since 1901.

 

 

 

front view of an historic building with renovated windows

The Lucas Building (400 S Main St.)

Built in 1911, the Lucas Building boasts one of the District’s most recognizable two-story facades. Now home to boutique retailer GRACE + EMMA as well as a second-floor office, this building was in need of updated windows and wood framing. Renovations have already been completed and will be partially reimbursed following official selection.

Brick building exterior with worn canvas awnings

First National Bank (404 S Main St)

A landmarked property constructed in 1901, First National Bank is now home to beloved Grapevine businesses Bermuda Gold & Silver and Talking Animals Books. It is perhaps best known as the site of a robbery perpetrated by associates of Bonnie and Clyde. Project funds will be used to replace aging canvas awnings that have faded and torn. The new installations will be made of durable metal and wood, spanning the storefront on Main Street and the northern side of the building.

 

 

A damaged neon sign that reads "IOOF"

Grapevine Oddfellows (330 S Main St.)

The Oddfellows building was constructed only a year after the Lucas building and currently holds a deteriorating neon sign designating it as the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). The sign hasn’t been functioning for some time and is visibly worn on all signs. Façade Improvement funds will allow full replacement of the sign with a perfect replica.

 

With its pilot year now complete, the Economic Development Historic Grapevine Commercial Façade Program will look for a new round of applicants in 2027. For more information about the program, visit the official instructions and application page here. 

Inaugural Committee Roll:

Bruno Rumbelow, City Manager

Jennifer Hibbs, Assistant City Manager

Garin Giacomarro, Director of Economic Development

Nader Jeri, Building Official

P.W. McCallum, CVB Executive Director

David Klempin, Historic Preservation Manager

Hugo Gardea, Assistant Historic Preservation Manager

Kayce Vanderpool, Secretary

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