Highland Boards & Commissions Highland Main Street

The Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program encourages property/business owners to renovate, restore, and improve buildings including both interior and exterior spaces. It is intended to provide financial assistance for significant improvements. The goal of the program is to encourage the growth of a vibrant and thriving retail climate within the Highland Redevelopment Area, as well as attract retail growth, additional business traffic and catalyze investment through improved aesthetics of aging commercial properties. By making noticeable enhancements within the Highland Redevelopment Area, the urban environment will improve and thereby impact the overall downtown revitalization efforts of the community. Grants will be awarded for up to 30% of the approved project improvements total. Projects over $15,000 will take priority, however, the Redevelopment Commission will review any and all projects regardless of the amount being requested.

Click here to learn about the program requirements and how to apply.

Highland Main Street annual essay contest asks kids:

What would you do to improve downtown Highland?

The question posed to Highland students – public, private and homeschooled – was created to find out from the up-and-coming generation how they feel about their very own downtown. “These are the children and teens who are making new memories, which we believe will likely be very different than those who preceded us,” said Jim Roumbos, a member of Highland Main Street and owner of Miles Books on Jewett Street. “These kids are the ones who are going to help determine what the next iteration of downtown will look like.”

The 2024 contest was divided into three grade levels: K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Winners received cash prizes – $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third.

HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ...

“Imagine walking through Downtown Highland, where famous landmarks rival those in big cities. Think of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Giant Bean in Chicago, but right here in the Midwest. Highland inay not have a famous landmark, but we can create one. Imagine having a large statue of a Trojan or the Trojan horse since we are Trojans at the High School. It adds an allusion to Greek mythology that no other city has. Downtown Highland has the potential to become a lively center that not only serves the local community but also attracts visitors to take pictures and visit our town.”

– 9TH GRADER ISIS SHAW | $100 Miles Books gift certificate

Click here to read complete essay

“We all know there's a lot of shops on highway Ave. There are restaurants, hairdressers etc. One thing that can improve Highway Ave is another community outreach like the ducks. I think it'll be good for the environment.”

– 7TH GRADER PEYTON NUCKOLS | $50 Mile Books gift certificate

Click here to read complete essay

“There used to be an ice skating rink in the Main Square Park. I would like to request that it returns to Main Square Park. I love ice skating. I've done it since I was five years old. ... Downtown Highland should have an ice skating rink again.”

– 5TH GRADER MAISY MALECKI | $25 SIP gift certificate

Click here to read complete essay