When is the deadline for Façade Improvement Program?

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

Façade Improvement Program

Q: How much funding does Façade Improvement Program provide?

Façade Improvement Program provides Up to $10,000 per façade improvement; up to $10,000 for security gate removal; up to $10,000 for interior fit-out (permanently affixed items); up to $2,500 for awnings or signage in funding.

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Funding Amount

Up to $10,000 per façade improvement; up to $10,000 for security gate removal; up to $10,000 for interior fit-out (permanently affixed items); up to $2,500 for awnings or signage

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Façade Improvement Program

Funder: Downtown Visions (Main Street Wilmington Program), managed by WDBID Management Company

Geographic Scope: Downtown Wilmington Business Improvement District (BID)

Program Background:
A 2009 block-by-block inventory showed that 78% of buildings in the Downtown Wilmington BID would benefit from improved façade treatments. Since 2010, the Main Street Wilmington Program has completed 84 building projects and awarded approximately $800,000 in grants toward restoration of downtown buildings. For every $1 invested in façade improvements, research shows $18 resulted in increased downtown business activity (National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2012).

Focus Areas:

Façade restoration and improvement

Removal of exterior roll-down security gates

Installation of new interior security gates or shatter-proof glass

New business signs or awnings

Exterior lighting improvements

Building repainting and complete façade restoration

Interior fit-out funding (permanently affixed items)

Accomplishments to Date:

Removal of 29 exterior roll-down security gates

Installation of 62 new business signs or awnings

Exterior lighting improvements in dark blocks (including Grand Opera House lighting)

Complete restoration of 64 building façades

Resulted in several new business openings and improved revenues for 51 existing businesses

Eligibility:

Commercial or retail building owners within Downtown Wilmington BID

Properties along Market Street, 9th Street corridor, and connecting side streets

All grants awarded are for physical improvements only (no soft costs)

What They Don't Fund:

Soft costs (non-physical improvements)

Funding Structure:

Façade Improvement Grants: Up to $10,000 on a matching basis

Security Gate Removal: Up to $10,000 reimbursement for removal of external security gate and installation of new interior security gate or shatter-proof glass (offered at 100% funding)

Interior Fit-Out Grants: Up to $10,000 reimbursement for permanently affixed items; up to $2,500 for awnings or signage reimbursement

Additional Notes:

Downtown Visions staff oversee projects from beginning to end

Project management performed internally with direct vendor contracting to reduce costs

Multiple building projects yield substantial savings and increased productivity

Contact:

Program Director: Lani Schweiger

Email: lschweiger@downtownvisions.org

Phone: (302) 425-4200

Organization: Downtown Visions (Main Street Wilmington Program)

How to Apply

Application Process

Specific application procedures and requirements are not detailed on the website. Interested property owners should contact the Main Street Wilmington Program Director directly for information on how to apply.