The City of Toledo, Department of Economic Development (DED) hereby announces the availability of $300,000 in funding for the White Box Grant Program.
Donor Name: City of Toledo
State: Ohio
City: Toledo
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/03/2023
Size of the Grant: $75,000
Grant Duration: 2 years
Details:
White Box Grant program is designed to incentivize property owners to bring vacant commercial first-floor spaces up to current codes to create a functional “white box” space ready for customization and occupancy by a business.
The White Box Grant Program is part of the City’s Vibrancy Initiative, which is designed to enhance the city’s vitality by supporting revitalization efforts that will create jobs, reduce blight, and preserve and improve structures in their community.
Funding Information
- The White Box Grant reimburses 70% of the eligible interior renovation expenses required to meet current state and local building code, fire safety code, and accessibility requirements, as demonstrated by stamped architectural or engineering drawings. The minimum reimbursement is $25,000 and the maximum is $75,000.
- The program is subject to a two-year period of compliance and reporting.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants, whether an individual or organization, must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant is in good standing with applicable governmental entities (i.e. current on federal, state and local income tax, property tax, utilities, code violations, fees)
- Applicant owns the building for which they are applying
- If the applicant does not own the building for which they are applying but does have the building under contract, the applicant is eligible to apply for the grant. However, grants will not be awarded until the applicant owns the building for which they are applying.
Eligible Expenses
The White Box Grant program provides funding to bring vacant commercial spaces up to code with the goal of receiving a certificate of occupancy. Eligible expenses address deficiencies in complying with building code, fire code, or accessibility requirements, as outlined below.
- Eligible Building Code Improvements: Interior improvements needed to meet the requirements of the Ohio Building Code (OBC) for the intended use, or at a minimum a Business (B) or Mercantile (M) use, including:
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) replacement or upgrades to meet the requirements of the OBC and the Ohio Mechanical Code for the intended use.
- Plumbing rough-in, to meet the requirements of the OBC and the Ohio Plumbing Code.
- Electrical services upgrades or modifications to meet the requirements of the OBC and the National Electrical Code, including, but not limited to NEC 230 Services.
- Lighting rough-in, including required exit and egress lighting fixtures, but excluding other fixtures.
- Repair or replacement of drywall, plaster or masonry walls, excluding finishes.
- Eligible Accessibility Improvements: Interior improvements needed to meet the accessibility requirements of the Ohio Building Code, including:
- Restrooms, excluding fixtures and finishes, except OBC required accessible toilet and sink.
- Accessible Route compliance.
- Eligible Fire Code Improvements: Fire and smoke protection systems and features needed to meet the requirements of the Ohio Building Code for the intended use, or at a minimum a Business (B) or Mercantile (M) use, including:
- Sprinkler System
- Fire Rated Walls
- Stairway Enclosure
- Fire Alarm System.
For more information, visit City of Toledo.
