The Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Program Grant is aimed at revitalizing Anchorage's rural communities through historic preservation, heritage tourism, and job creation. The program funding is tailored toward the rehabilitation of culturally significant heritage sites. The program targets rural areas with a population center of 3,000 or fewer, located at least 25 miles from Downtown Anchorage. Key areas include the Native Village of Eklutna, Indian, and Girdwood, each of which is rich in cultural heritage but facing unique preservation challenges.
This project is being supported by a $500,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Program Grant from the national Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
The Municipality will award 5 to 7 subgrants, ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, to property owners, including private, public, nonprofit, and educational entities. To receive the subgrants, properties must be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and demonstrate potential for economic revitalization through heritage tourism and job creation to ensure long-term benefits for the community. Each subgrantee will be required to provide a 10% match and enter preservation easements to ensure long-term protection of the areas.
For most of 2026, the program's focus will be on initial program development and outreach to educate property owners. The first round of subgrants will be awarded later in 2026 for the 2027 construction season, with additional projects to be funded in a second round in 2028.
October 14, 2025 Press Release, Mayor's Office
Program Contact: Tom Davis, Senior Planner and Historic Preservation Officer, Municipality of Anchorage Planning Department, (907) 343-7916, tom.davis@anchorageak.gov
Back to Historic Preservation Commission webpage