Downtown Reading Facade Grant

Geographic Scope: Downtown Reading, Pennsylvania - specifically properties located in the Penn Street Corridor target area

Funder: Berks Alliance (private funding) and Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Program Duration: Two-year commitment (2018-2019), continued through 2020

Purpose

To enhance the downtown Reading streetscape and physical environment by supporting facade improvements along Penn Street and surrounding neighborhoods. The program aims to:

• Improve the external appearance, lighting and security of storefronts
• Enhance the attractiveness of Downtown Reading
• Preserve and restore historic properties
• Encourage economic development and leverage additional private investment

Eligible Uses

• Exterior property improvements: painting, masonry, windows, doors, awnings and lighting
• Lighting
• Signage
• Storefront window display (professional assistance provided)

Eligibility Requirements

• Property and/or business owner of the property in the target area
• Business owners require written permission from property owner
• Business owners can submit collaborative applications with shared costs and responsibilities
• Minimum total project cost of at least $500
• Property must be located in the designated target area

Award Structure

100% Owner Match: Maximum grant up to $10,000 for exterior painting, metals, masonry, windows, and doors (owner must match dollar for dollar)

50% Owner Match: Maximum grant up to $5,000 for signs, awnings, and exterior lighting (owner must match at least 50% of cost)

Past Results

• 2018-2019: 15 downtown properties benefited, totaling $300,000+ in investment
• 2018: Six downtown Reading property owners received nearly $50,000 in matching facade improvement funding with an estimated $170,000+ in total project costs

Contact

Phone: 610-898-7788

Note: The grant was closed as of the last update provided in the materials.

Application Process

Application Submission:

1. Download the application form from the website
2. Complete the application with project details
3. Submit application to Aaron Gantz

Review Process:

• Applications are reviewed by a review committee
• Accepted on a rolling and competitive basis

Required Information:

• Applicant must be property and/or business owner
• Written permission from property owner (if business owner submitting)
• Project description and costs
• Location confirmation (within target area)
• Documentation of owner match commitment

Additional Support:

• Partnership with Sherwin Williams Paint Store (#5074) for free and reduced paint to applicants