Grand Gorge Roxbury DRI Small Project Fund
Four Buildings Awarded Small Project Funds
M-ARK Project, Inc. is pleased to announce a new round of Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Small Project Fund awards supporting building improvements and community revitalization efforts in Grand Gorge.
The awards will help revitalize several prominent properties along State Highway 23, including the former Montgomery Ward Building, the Grand Gorge Post Office Building, the Grant House now owned by Western Catskills Community Revitalization Corporation, and the Gula Building. Planned improvements include façade restoration, porch reconstruction, energy-efficiency upgrades, window and roof replacements, apartment renovations, and preservation work designed to strengthen the historic character and long-term vitality of downtown Grand Gorge.
The DRI Small Project Fund program, administered locally by M-ARK Project, supports transformative building improvements that strengthen commercial districts, improve building conditions, encourage private investment, and expand upper-story residential opportunities in the Grand Gorge and Roxbury downtown areas.
“These projects represent meaningful investments in the future of Grand Gorge,” said Peg Ellsworth, Executive Director of M-ARK Project, Inc. “By supporting restoration, housing improvements, and energy-efficient upgrades, the Small Project Fund is helping preserve community character while encouraging long-term economic vitality.”
The Small Project Fund is a key implementation tool of the Grand Gorge–Roxbury Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), designed to support small-scale, community-focused projects that contribute to the revitalization of the hamlet centers. The program provides targeted financial assistance to property owners, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations for projects such as building and façade improvements, interior renovations, code compliance upgrades, and other enhancements that strengthen the local economy and improve the overall appearance and functionality of downtown areas. By investing in modest but high-impact projects, the fund helps stimulate private investment, support local businesses, and advance the broader vision of creating vibrant, attractive, and economically resilient community centers in Grand Gorge and Roxbury.
The program is being administered by the MARK Project in accordance with guidelines set forth by NYS Home and Community Renewal.
1/27/2026 Meeting Recording
Passcode: TLM$C2!h
Contact smallprojectsfund@markproject.org with questions or for more information
Downloads
Small Project Fund Guidelines (PDF, opens in new window)
Small Project Fund Application (PDF, opens in new window)
Fillable Budget (XLSX, opens in new window)
Sample Budget (XLSX, opens in new window)
How to Complete the Application (with detailed rubric) (PPTX, opens in new window)
DRI Strategic Investment Plan (PDF, opens in new window)
Open Office Hour
Thursday, March 5 at 4:00 p.m.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21411282347849?p=yy713PkPGKii9o0pdj
Meeting ID: 214 112 823 478 49
Passcode: Jp94e8q3
Small Project Fund Frequently Asked Questions
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A. Yes but applicants should show readiness to open the business. Small Project funds should be the last $$ in the project.
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A. It references projects that may be deemed ineligible but are transformative in nature and bolsters the downtown area. If this applies, the applicant can ask for special consideration which will be reviewed by NYS Homes and Community Renewal.
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A. Technically yes, but the panel may question why this wasn’t included in their original DRI application.
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A. Depending on the number of applications, the plans are for the review panel to meet in April with awards to follow in early May.
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A. Councilwoman Osborn, Councilwoman Ciravino, Melony Lee, Jodie Albanao, Stacy Ward, Diane Munro.
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A: Projects need to be completed in two years.
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A. We would open up round two of applications.