This is a Façade Grant Program in conjunction with the City’s Building, Planning, and Development Department, Auburn Main Street (AMS), and the Auburn Redevelopment Commission. This program is designed to encourage both downtown businesses and/or building owners to improve the aesthetic appearance of their historical building façades to help stimulate commerce and enhance the overall business environment of the downtown’s historic corridor.
The “Façade Improvement Program” is a fifty percent (50%) matching grant, with a maximum grant amount of $15,000 or larger on a case-by-case basis. Grants can be requested by applicants once every twelve (12) months, and projects can be requested in phases.
The Program focuses on the improvement of existing buildings. Eligible expenses include exterior building improvements, exterior lighting, new and/or renovated signs, awnings, historic façade elements, windows and doors, and similar projects. A 100% reimbursement of actual architectural or engineering costs associated with façade improvements, provided the owner utilizes the technical input in the façade renovation, not to exceed $2,500.
In addition to code and ordinance compliance, any façade improvement project shall be required to comply with specific design guidelines intended to retain and/or enhance the character and historical value of the Downtown Business District. Buildings eligible for the Façade Improvement Grant shall be at least 50 years old and used for commercial purposes.
.jpg)
.png)
