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 business and/or building owners to improve the aesthetic appearance of their historical building façade 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, providing 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.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Items include, but are not limited to, the following)
INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
(Items include, but are not limited to, the following)
A pre‐application meeting is the first step in the Façade Improvement Grant application process. To request a pre‐application meeting, please contact:
City of Auburn Building and Planning Department 925‐6449 or Auburn Main Street Design Review Committee Chair, Tyler Wolfe (260) 570-6687.