How much funding does Downtown Facade Enhancement Program provide?

Downtown Facade Enhancement Program provides Up to $20,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Downtown Facade Enhancement Program?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Downtown Facade Enhancement Program

BOWLING GREEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Foundation Annual Community Development Grants History Grants

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Funding Amount

Up to $20,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Downtown Facade Enhancement Program

Overview: 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

How to Apply

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

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