BY ANNE ADAMS • STAFF WRITER, THE RECORDER
MONTEREY — The Highland Inn revitalization project got a huge shot in the arm late last week. Blue Grass Resource Center, the nonprofit that owns the inn, learned its application for grant funding was approved in the amount of $1,750,000 — one of the largest grants received from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ “Virginia 250 Preservation Fund.”
All told, 35 preservation projects across Virginia were awarded this funding ahead of the 2026 anniversary of the American Revolution.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin made the announcement last Friday.
Last year, Youngkin and the General Assembly established the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund in the 2024-26 biennial budget to support capital improvement projects at historic sites and museums that anticipate a significant increase in visitation in 2026, the year of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, also known as the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
The DHR will administer the funds from the grant program.
Blue Grass Resource Center applied for a little over $2 million. According to BGRC executive director Betty Mitchell, the grant award it received will be used for phase II work on the Highland Inn, which is mostly interior work. “This funding, coupled with other money raised, should give us the ability to put it out for bid,” she said. “Other funders will need to be advised and given the opportunity to review the bid documents.”
A building permit has already been approved through the Highland County Department of Building and Zoning. The BGRC board will meet this week to “go over everything we know and fill in any gaps we have, and ask questions,” Mitchell said. The board already has the required one-third matching grant money, stemming from congressionally directed funding and other money BGRC has already secured, she added.
“We will need more funding for furnishings and soft costs to finalize the project, but this is huge to be able to move ahead,” she said. BGRC board chair Robin Sullenberger added, “This award is a testament to the historical and economic importance of the inn shown by Highland officials, the EDA and, with this announcement, financial support from the state. Grant applications are a time consuming and arduous undertaking. I commend director Betty Mitchell, board member Jamie Collins and Economic Recovery Corps fellow Landdis Hollifield for their tireless efforts in developing an application that clearly stood out. Thanks also to Del. Chris Runion for his support and encouragement.
“Given the amount of the grant and the optimism it brings, our board will immediately begin discussions on renovation priorities, including development of a bid package,” Sullenberger added. “Those decisions will take a bit of time and input from others, including our architect, but 2025 will be the year it becomes an active project once again. One interesting sidelight with both the grant process and private investing is timing. Last money in can be a deciding factor, so assurances that the project is legitimately moving ahead is closely monitored. This grant confirms that point, and becomes an ideal leverage vehicle to pursue resources as we seek to finalize the renovation.”
Last week, Youngkin noted, “As the United States of America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, there is no better time to show the world the essential role that Virginia has played in our Nation’s founding. These investments in historic properties will allow them to showcase their significant cultural value, preserving them for future generations.”
Following a preapplication screening process last summer, DHR invited 218 out of 227 initial pre-applicants to submit a full application for the program. DHR received 166 completed full applications. A DHR internal review panel, with input from representatives in the Office of the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and the Governor’s Office, selected 35 projects for a total of $19,993,983 in funding.
“The commonwealth’s commitment to preserving historic properties is exemplified by this investment,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles. “Not only will our deeply significant historic resources benefit from receiving these grants, but Virginians and Americans nationwide will come together to celebrate the Semiquincentennial.”
“The capital improvements made possible through these grants will enhance the experience of thousands of visitors for whom Virginia will be a priority travel destination during 2026,” said DHR Director Julie Langan. “The enduring nature of this investment, in a geographically and historically diverse range of landmarks, will benefit Virginia for many years to come.”
As part of the grant program’s selection process, priority was given to projects featuring properties listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and/or the National Register of Historic Places, properties designated as a National Historic Landmark, and properties determined eligible for any such listing by DHR. The Highland Inn has long been listed on the Virginia register and the national register.
The projects that are set to receive awards include efforts to stabilize and repair historic buildings, which will ensure that visitors from Virginia and beyond can continue to benefit from these important educational resources for years to come. Enhancements to accessibility features, which will help sites serve more visitors, are included in nearly half of the projects. After the funded projects are completed, a number of the sites will serve as venues for events and multipurpose gathering, thus contributing to the economic and social vitality of their respective communities.
All grantees will match at least one-third of the state award with funds from other sources or in-kind services. DHR staff will conduct site visits and review project plans as the funds are dispersed over the course of 2025 and 2026.