Façade Grant Program

A Collaborative Grant Program between Auburn Main Street, the Redevelopment Commission, and the City of Auburn

ams

The Façade Grant Program is administered in conjunction with the City’s Building, Planning and Development Department, Auburn Main Street (AMS), and the Auburn Redevelopment Commission.  This program is designed to encourage both downtown business and/or building owners to improve the aesthetic appearance of their historical building façade to help stimulate commerce and enhance the overall business environment of the downtown’s historic corridor.

The “Façade Improvement Program” is a fifty percent (50%) matching grant, with a maximum grant amount of $15,000 or larger on a case-by-case basis. Grants can be requested by applicants once every twelve (12) months and projects can be requested in phases.

The Program focuses on the improvement of existing buildings. Eligible expenses include exterior building improvements, exterior lighting, new and/or renovated signs, awnings, historic façade elements, windows and doors, and similar projects. A 100% reimbursement of actual architectural or engineering costs associated with façade improvements, providing the owner utilizes the technical input in the façade renovation, not to exceed $2,500.

In addition to code and ordinance compliance, any façade improvement project shall be required to comply with specific design guidelines intended to retain and/or enhance the character and historical value of the Downtown Business District. Buildings eligible for the Façade Improvement Grant shall be at least 50 years old and used for commercial purposes.

  1. 1 IMG_1754
  2. 2 Olive Twist
  3. 3 Schaab building
  4. 4 Assurance Title
  5. 5 IMG_1413
  6. 6 Brown House
  7. 7 After1-0a61269a460aea9d2d47395dd07442cc
  8. 8 Document

To Schedule a pre-application meeting contact:

AMS Façade Review and Design Committee Chair, 

Logan Shank  

(260)515-3967 

logan.shank01@gmail.com 

or Ann Finchum executivedirector@auburnmainstreet.org


Grant awards may not exceed $15,000, for individual projects this can include up to $2,500 for architectural or engineering assistance, to be awarded as follows:

  • Façade improvement: Up to a 50% maximum reimbursement of actual costs for eligible activities.
  • Awnings: Up to a 50% maximum reimbursement of actual costs associated with additional improvements or replacement awnings.
  • Signage / Lighting / Murals: Up to a 50% maximum reimbursement of actual costs associated with addition, improvement or replacement of signs, lighting, or murals.
  • Architectural or Engineering Assistance: A 100% reimbursement of actual architectural or engineering costs associated with façade improvements, providing the owner utilizes the technical input in the façade renovation, not to exceed $2,500. A licensed architect or engineer shall be retained for concept drawings, specifications, and consultation to maintain the historical character of any building renovation.

 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS


  1. The properties building must be in the defined Façade Improvement Program area, and either be a contributing historical building or 50 years or older. The program area is defined as all qualifying properties in the Economic Development Area. See attached “Exhibit A” for a map.
  2. The applicant(s) must be the building owner. Tenants may qualify upon receiving written consent from the building owner.
  3. Buildings or structures owned by governmental units nor those owned by organizations primarily supported by property tax revenues are not eligible for Facade Grant funds.


 ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES


  1. Accentuating the existing features of the building through painting, lighting restoration, replacement, cleaning, or other treatment of exterior surfaces.
  2. The addition of design elements which may have appeared on the original building, or are in keeping with the building's character, e.g., awnings.
  3. Repair to building exterior facades (front, rear, and side facades are eligible and encouraged).
  4. Masonry and major structural repairs to any “street facing exterior walls” (major structural repairs require appropriate plans prepared by a qualified structural engineer whose fees are eligible to be included within the matching grant application).
  5. Building envelope components relating to controlling the flow of air and water. This includes such items as glazing, curtain walls, tuck pointing, parapet walls, flashing, caulking, sealants, membranes, moisture barriers, and condensation control.
  6. Cleaning of building exterior.
  7. Exterior painting.
  8. Repairing or replacing cornices, entrances, doors, windows, decorative detail, and/or awnings.
  1. Sign removal, repair, or replacement.
  2. Other repairs that may improve the aesthetic quality of the building.
  3. Façade renovation - must involve the general upgrading of a building's external appearance.


  INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES


  1. Interior improvements (except window display areas).
  2. Asbestos, mold, and mildew removal and/or mitigation.
  3. Sidewalks.
  4. Purchase of furnishings, equipment, or other personal property not part of the real estate.
  5. Improvements completed, or in progress, prior to notification of approval.
  6. Repair or creation of features not compatible with original architecture. (NOTE: These items may be eligible if required by government rules and/or regulations such as ADA ramps and such).
  7. Façade grants are not meant to replace your insurance deductible.
  8. Projects that cover up historical architectural features of the building’s façade.
  9. Improvements to roofing systems or roof structures.