News Summary
F.N.B. Corporation has launched the FNB Main Street Revitalization Program with an investment of nearly $50 million to enhance community development in rural and historic business districts. The initiative will restore the First National Bank branch in Greenville, Pennsylvania, to its original 19th-century aesthetic while providing financial assistance for local small businesses. With approximately $15 million allocated for historic rehabilitation and over $30 million in financing options, this program aims to stimulate local economies and promote tourism, attracting attention from state officials for its potential impact.
Pennsylvania—F.N.B. Corporation has initiated the FNB Main Street Revitalization Program with a total investment nearing $50 million aimed at enhancing community development in rural and historic business districts. This program is designed to not only improve the physical aesthetics of these areas but also stimulate local economies through various financial assistance options for small businesses.
The program’s inaugural project is set to commence in Greenville, Pennsylvania, where the First National Bank of Pennsylvania branch will undergo renovations. As part of the revitalization effort, the project aims to restore the branch to its original 19th-century aesthetic and character, including returning the ceiling height to its original specification and adding numerous interior finishes reflective of its initial design.
According to the initiative’s framework, approximately $15 million will be allocated for the rehabilitation and restoration of several historic FNB branches. Furthermore, a low-interest loan program will cover over $30 million in financing options dedicated to small businesses, striving to support new business formations and existing establishments.
The program also includes a small-business grant initiative administered by the Pittsburgh History & Landmark Foundation. This grant program will facilitate facade improvements for eligible businesses within the downtown Greenville historic district; property and business owners can apply for these grants via F.N.B.’s eStore platform. Eligible facade improvement projects may encompass masonry repairs, new signage, awnings, painting, and other enhancements, all designed to align with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
To support grant recipients, F.N.B. will extend special promotional terms, including discounted interest rates and reduced fees on qualifying real estate loans, making it easier for businesses to thrive. This strategic approach aims to beautify historic facades ultimately promoting tourism in the region, which is crucial for economic revitalization.
The FNB Main Street Revitalization Program has attracted attention from federal and state officials due to its potential to significantly uplift economically disinvested areas. Governor Josh Shapiro underscored the importance of investing in local Main Streets and small businesses, emphasizing that these efforts can create valuable opportunities for residents across Pennsylvania.
Future announcements regarding the deployment of the FNB Main Street Revitalization Program in other markets are anticipated, as the initiative is set to roll out in additional communities, thereby broadening its impact on statewide economic health.
The revitalization efforts are aligned with ongoing trends in community development that highlight the need for investments in historic areas and small businesses as keys to fostering sustainable growth. The comprehensive revisioning of community spaces, coupled with financial support initiatives, aims to deliver lasting benefits for rural economies eager for revitalization.
Overall, F.N.B. Corporation’s commitment to revitalizing historic business districts represents a significant step toward fostering economic growth and preserving the character of Pennsylvania’s communities, enhancing both business vitality and tourism potential.
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