The Program provides a 50% matching grant between $500 and $12,500 for façade improvement project costs.  Signage shall only be a reimbursable expense of 50% matching up to $3,000 and only if the CRA, in its sole discretion approves the sign design. Grant recipients must provide a cash or loan match of 50% of total project cost. Funding is appropriated annually by the CRA, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must finish the project and pay all project costs before being eligible for reimbursement.

Grant funds may only be used for projects that improve the aesthetics of the exterior facade of a building. Improvements must be compatible and complementary to buildings located on the same block on both sides of the street. The total project costs may only include labor and materials. No building owner, lessor, lessee, tenant, occupant, employee, or immediate relative of an applicant, either personally or corporately, shall be paid to serve as a contractor or subcontractor for the work to be performed.

Properties that are eligible under the Program must be located within the Community Redevelopment Area and be occupied with a commercial business or have plans to be occupied upon project completion. Eligible buildings must have a facade that is visible from a street or parking lot.

If a building is a multi-use building (e.g. residential and commercial), only the commercial portion of the building is eligible under the Program. Buildings used exclusively for residential purposes are not eligible for the Program.

Interested parties are encouraged to review all Program Policies and Procedures eligibility requirements or to contact the CRA Coordinator to discuss eligibility.