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Façade Grant Program

Grant funding will be allocated to façade work (including windows and signage) in the form of 50/50 matching grants to business and property owners with a maximum grant funding request not to exceed $10,000.

The

Program

Get up to $10,000 in 50% matching grant funds for façade repair or renovation.

Main Street Pontiac seeks to maintain and improve the quality of life for its citizens and business owners by fostering an economically viable and visually appealing commercial district. To help reach this goal, Main Street Pontiac has established a Façade Grant Program to reimburse applicants for approved façade work on downtown buildings. Approved applicants shall be reimbursed 50% of the eligible costs of façade work up to $10,000 upon completion of the project.

Program Objectives

  • To maintain high-quality design standards by investing in existing building stock that contributes to an exciting and inspiring downtown experience for residents and visitors.
  • To assist in the maintenance and preservation of Downtown Pontiac’s buildings to safeguard property values and support an attractive downtown where businesses would like to locate.
  • To contribute to a unique sense of place that helps promote the downtown district.

PROGRAM

ADMINISTRATION

Grant funding will be allocated to façade work (including windows and signage) in the form of 50/50 matching grants to business and property owners with a maximum grant funding request not to exceed $10,000.

  • The program will be administered by the Main Street Pontiac Board of Directors and will offer financial assistance to commercial property owners and business owners seeking to renovate or restore the exterior of their buildings.
  • Applications will be selected by the Main Street Pontiac Board of Directors and must be based on meeting the objectives of the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for the calendar year or until the allocated funds have been exhausted for the fiscal year.
  • Funding for façade projects will be paid via reimbursement of completed work. Only after the applicant has paid for the work will the applicant be reimbursed for the granted dollar amount.

ELIGIBILITY

CRITERIA

  • Any property/building owner, or business owner/tenant with written authorization from the property owner can apply for funding assistance. Funds may not be disbursed until receipts of payment are submitted and all applicable permits are finalized and inspections approved.
  • All proposed projects must follow the current City of Pontiac codes, including but not limited to: building codes, property maintenance codes, historical codes, Sign ordinances, Downtown Design Guidelines, and any applicable zoning codes.
  • This program is for properties located in the downtown district as determined by Main Street Pontiac.
  • Applicants can be property owners or tenants with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease or have an option to renew their lease with written permission from the property owner (include a letter with application).
  • Additional criteria may be established by the Main Street Pontiac Board of Directors.

ELIGIBLE

IMPROVEMENTS

  • Removal of materials that cover original architectural details
  • Repair and/or restoration of original architectural details
  • Replacement of original architectural detail
  • Replacement or repairing brickwork, plaster, or wood siding, including painting, cleaning, and repainting.
  • Replacing, repairing, or relocating storefronts, doors, windows, parapets, or cornices, including the removal of extraneous
    elements or inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes and materials
  • Window repair or replacement including window framing
  • Repainting and repair of façade
  • Changes of exterior lighting and additional exterior lighting
  • Repairs, addition, or installation of awnings, only when in conjunction with a comprehensive exterior improvement plan.
  • Installation or improvement of permanently installed signage, only when in conjunction with a comprehensive exterior
    improvement plan. Signage must be a permanently installed feature of the façade and may not be portable or removable.

 

Other improvements can be made if they meet the objectives of the program and have prior written approval from the Main Street Pontiac. The Main Street Pontiac Board exercises sole discretion in the approval of design features, colors, and elements.

INELIGIBLE

IMPROVEMENTS

The following improvements do not qualify for the Façade Grant Program.

  • Improvements made prior to approval
  • Expenses incurred prior to approval
  • Property acquisition
  • Refinancing of existing debt
  • Inventory, equipment, and/or general business operations expenses (payroll, taxes, utilities, ext.)
  • Sweat equity (payments for applicant’s own labor)
  • Interior rehabilitation unless deemed essential with regard to the building’s façade improvement
  • Interior decoration (i.e. wallpaper, paint, light fixtures, furniture, ext.)
  • Planting or landscaping
  • Loan fees, mortgage/land contract refinance
  • Appraiser, attorney, interior decorator or designer fees
  • Site plan, building or sign permit fees

Application

Criteria

  • Application completed and signed.
  • An informal sketch or architectural rendering of the proposed improvement(s).
  • Any proposed paint, awning, samples, etc.
  • Pictures of existing façade and proposed improvement areas.
  • A current price quote for the proposed project from either an architect or licensed contractor/vendor.
  • Designs for signage on the building.

Any costs incurred by the applicant in obtaining the drawing and quote shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant. If the applicant meets all building code requirements (as confirmed by the City’s building department) he/she may perform the work themselves. For those applicants wishing to make the façade improvements themselves, the grant will cover ONLY the cost of building materials necessary for the approved façade improvement project. The applicant shall be responsible for submitting actual/original receipts of materials purchased prior to grant funds being released.

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