Downtown Facade Enhancement Program

A City of Bowling Green initiative to assist in preserving historic buildings in downtown Bowling Green by improving the appearance of downtown properties, especially those visible from the public right-of-way.

Geographic Scope: Downtown Special Improvement District (see map on application materials)

Award Structure:

• Reimbursement grant providing 50% matching funds
• Maximum: $20,000 per project

Availability:

• Funds available on a first-come, first-served basis
• If funds remain available on September 1, property owners may reapply for additional funds (priority given to first-time applicants)
• If all funds are spent, remaining applications added to waiting list; those on wait list contacted following year if funds allocated

Eligible Improvements:

• Awnings
• Masonry work: brick cleaning, tuck pointing, replacement
• Painting
• Repair, restoration, or appropriate replacement of exterior windows and doors
• Repair or replacement of roofing system
• Fire escapes or exterior upper-floor access
• Any other visible exterior improvements

Eligibility Criteria:

• Eligible buildings: Any commercial or mixed-use building located in the Downtown Special Improvement District
• All improvements and projects subject to approval by Planning Department, potentially including Historic Preservation Commission consultation
• Historical features of facade must remain intact (City will not reimburse for removal of ornate historical features such as lower/upper cornices, ornamental window trims, or storefront display windows)

Ineligible Improvements:

• Interior improvements
• Operating funds
• HVAC repair
• Plumbing repair
• Sidewalk repair
• Furnishings
• Equipment
• Commercial signage (unless part of historic structure, at staff discretion)
• Landscaping

Key Terms:

• This is a reimbursement grant (applicant must pay upfront)
• Receipts due by February 1 of following year for reimbursement

Contact Information:

• Address: Planning Department, 305 N Main Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402
• Phone: 419-354-6203

Application Process

1. Required Application Materials:
   • Project description
   • Current photos of proposed work area (Google Street View not accepted)
   • Rendering/drawing of proposed work to scale, including color scheme
   • Itemized cost estimate of proposed work by a qualified third party
2. Cost Estimate Requirements:
   • If any portion of work exceeds $3,000, at least two quotes required for competitive pricing (unless otherwise documented)
3. Award Notification:
   • Awarded applicants notified by Planning Department in writing of grant amount
4. Reimbursement Process:
   • Requires copy of paid invoice(s) and pictures of completed improvements before payment issued
   • Staff will verify that work was completed as proposed
   • Receipts due by February 1 of following year for reimbursement