Commercial Grant Program

Business operators and owners located in the Tax Increment Finance Authority are eligible for grant funding when making property and facade improvements.

Applications are submitted online using the form fields on the right side of this webpage.

Summary

  • Grants are awarded on a 1:1: cash match on behalf of the applicant for all eligible expenses. The maximum grant is $10,000 for a project costing $20,000 or more.
  • Grant funds are paid at the completion of the project to either the contractor (W9 required for payment) or to the property owner as a reimbursement upon submission of receipts and other required documents.
  • Applications are considered on a first-come first-serve basis beginning April 14, 2025.
  • The property must be located within the boundaries of the Tax Increment Finance Authority.Click here for a map.
  • Property taxes must be current on the subject property.
  • A building permit may be required depending on the scope of the project.
  • Proposed façade improvements must also comply with all applicable building and zoning codes, and a building permit is required as a  final inspection must be performed before reimbursement.
  • Proposed façade improvements must be on any exterior face of an existing building that is visible from any street, right-of-way, or parking lot. This includes the building’s front, rear, entryway, or exposed side.
  • The project must be a permanent improvement; not temporary or seasonal.
  • The project must enhance or fit into the larger context of neighboring buildings.
  • If performed by a licensed contractor, material and labor costs can be considered eligible expenses. Property owners cannot charge labor for their own time or their employees’ time; however, “do-it-yourself” expenditures on materials are eligible.

Eligible Projects

Projects must be exterior-focused and provide a visible improvement to the building's curb appeal or its function as a commercial space. All work must comply with applicable codes and be consistent with the architectural character of the building and surrounding area. 

Facade Improvements

  • Restoration or enhancement of front and rear building facades

  • Improvements to side facades that are clearly visible from a public street, sidewalk, or alley

  • Installation or repair of porches, overhangs, railings, and exterior stairs that contribute to the building's character

  • Enhanced front entryways, including reconstruction of entry vestibules or doors to improve accessibility and appearance

  • Aesthetic improvements such as decorative awnings, trim details, or façade lighting

  • Painting, only if part of a larger, comprehensive façade improvement project.

Doors and Windows

  • Replacement or restoration of doors and windows if part of a broader façade enhancement effort

  • Installation of transom or display windows consistent with traditional commercial storefront design

Accessory Structures and Site Features

  • Structural or cosmetic improvements to garages, especially when visible from a public way

  • Installation of fencing in alleyways or street-side yards where it improves the visual appeal or security of the property

Permanent Outdoor Seating/Activity Spaces

  • Construction of permanent outdoor seating areas, such as patios, parklets, or built-in benches, when located in the front or side yard and visible to the public

  • Creation of permanent outdoor activity areas, including small performance spaces, game courts, or plazas, where they support commercial or public-facing uses

  • Associated hardscape elements such as decorative paving, planters (non-plant materials), low walls, or shade structures

Landscape Elements (Limited Eligibility)

  • Construction or improvement of landscape planting beds or hardscape features (such as stone walls or decorative edging) that are integrated with the building façade or entryway.

Ineligible Projects

The following types of work are not eligible for reimbursement under the facade improvement grant program, regardless of their cost or visibility.

Architectural Integrity and Character

  • Removal or obstruction of architecturally significant features, such as cornices, brickwork details, or original entryways

  • Use of inappropriate materials, including vinyl or aluminum siding, that diminish the architectural character of the building

Routine Maintenance and Repairs

  • Tuck-pointing, power washing, or routine brick repair

  • Roof repairs or replacement

  • Driveway or sidewalk repair/replacement

  • Repair of code violations or deferred maintenance issues

  • General upkeep such as gutter cleaning, caulking, or light fixture repair

Mechanical and Utility Systems

  • Installation or replacement of HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems

  • Exterior or rooftop mechanical system enclosures or screening

Interior Work

  • Any interior renovations, upgrades, or repairs not visible from the public way

Parking and Paving

  • Construction, expansion, or resurfacing of parking lots

  • Driveway additions, extensions, or aesthetic treatments

Landscaping and Decorative Elements

  • Installation of plant material such as shrubs, trees, flower beds, sod, or grass

  • Addition of murals or large-scale wall art not integrated into the architectural design

TIFA Grant Application - Commercial Property

  18. Will grant funds be paid to contractor or owner?*
    21. Leave This Blank:

  23. This field is not part of the form submission.