Façade Improvement Program

Program Type: Financial incentive program for commercial building rehabilitation

Funder: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development (grant of $50,000)

Partners: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Borough of Gettysburg, Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.

Geographic Scope: Historic District of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Purpose: Allows qualified commercial property owners and tenants within the town's Historic District to be reimbursed for specific sign, paint, design, and storefront façade projects.

Award Amount: Maximum reimbursement of $5,000 per commercial property (applications for less than maximum are encouraged)

Eligibility Requirements

• Commercial properties and purposes only (not residential or rental housing)
• Located within the boundaries of Gettysburg's Historic District
• Projects must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the applicant (minimum 1:1 match)
• Must be reviewed, approved and in compliance with Borough Code Enforcement, Historic Architectural Review Board, and Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.
• Must conform to the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation
• Projects begun or completed prior to award notification are ineligible
• Must have three independent, detailed estimates

Eligible Project Categories

• Up to $5,000 per storefront/street-facing façade project
• Up to $5,000 to restore/repaint historic wood siding
• Up to $3,500 per paint project (other than historic wood siding)
• Up to $2,500 to bring existing signs into conformance with Borough design guidelines & sign ordinance
• Up to $2,500 per sign project (upgrading to more attractive or historic looking sign)
• Up to $2,500 to use appropriate wooden replacement windows, doors, or shutters
• Up to $2,500 to repoint/replace historic brick with appropriate lime mortar and bricks
• Up to $750 per design project (architect or similar design professional)

Payment Terms

• Direct reimbursement (not a loan) to the commercial property owner or tenant
• Made after satisfactory and timely completion of the project (within 4 months of applicant's approval)
• Made after receipt of complete and appropriate documentation of applicant expenditures, including paid receipts and color photos of completed eligible project
• Project funds are limited and may not be kept reserved beyond four (4) months of an application's approval, unless an extension is granted

Evaluation Criteria

• Degree to which project will improve the applicant's building façade and/or correct physical deterioration of the structure
• Use of an acceptable design professional (architect, professional engineer, or similar credentials expected for larger/more extensive projects)
• Degree to which the proposed project will encourage reuse of an underutilized structure or retention of an existing business
• Degree to which the proposed project meets the required 1:1 match

Non-Discrimination

No person shall be excluded from participation, denied program benefits, or discriminated against because of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

Contact Information

Address: 59 E High St, Ste 3, Gettysburg, PA 17325

How to Apply

Applications are currently being accepted while funding is available.

Application Submission

1. Deliver completed application packet to:
   • Main Street Gettysburg
   • 59 East High Street, Suite 3
   • Gettysburg, PA 17325
2. Application packet should include:
   • Two copies of the Application Form, including attachments describing total and eligible projects
   • One copy of competitive bidding documents (request for estimates documentation from contractors)
   • Three independent written estimates for eligible work secured by applicant from contractors
   • One copy of contractor's Certificate of Liability Insurance
   • One copy of all approved applications & permits (as may be required by Borough of Gettysburg's Code Enforcement and/or Historic Architectural Review Board)
   • One signed Certification and Release form
   • One signed Non-Discrimination/Sexual Harassment clause
   • One set of color photos of existing conditions (including both building façade and project area)
   • One set of acceptable sketches or drawings of proposed improvements (if appropriate to project)
   • One copy of property deed cover page showing legal name of owner(s) (if owner is the applicant)
   • One copy of the property owner's letter of permission/approval for project (if tenant is the applicant)
   • $50.00 non-refundable application fee (check/money order payable to Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.)
3. Review Process:
   • Complete application packets will be reviewed by Main Street Gettysburg with awards announced in a timely manner

Documentation Required for Reimbursement

• One copy of all paid receipts for eligible work
• One signed copy of Confirmation of Payment
• One set of color photos of completed project
• Main Street Gettysburg reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or to deny reimbursement if project is not completed in a satisfactory and/or timely manner