The Town of Clover is accepting applications for the new Main Street Grant.
Donor Name: Town of Clover
State: South Carolina
Town: Clover
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Size of the Grant: up to $3,000
Grant Duration: 12 months
Details:
The purpose of the Main Street Grant is to provide financial assistance to property and/or business owners to promote facade renovation and preservation to:
- Provide an attractive and comfortable place to shop, work and socialize.
- Preserve the unique, historical character of Clover.
- Attract new business.
- Encourage repairs and improvement using quality materials in the renovation.
Funding Information
- Qualifying projects are eligible for a grant of up to $3,000.
- Projects must be completed within twelve (12) months of the award to receive reimbursement; provided, however, one 60-day extension may be approved by the Main Street Director.
Eligible Improvements
- Architectural Renovations:
- Building Renovations: Buildings should fit in with their environment and preserve the unique historical character of the building.
- Window and Glazing: Visual access to retail stores is important. Storefronts should not be boarded up, nor should window space be reduced. Retail frontages should be a minimum of 50% glazed. Mirrored or heavily tinted glass is discouraged.
- New Materials: Materials used for renovation should match or be compatible with the original materials and design. Imitations of materials (especially for historic buildings) are discouraged. All damaged or decaying storefronts, display windows, entrances, signs, etc. should be either repaired or replaced.
- Brick and Stone: Brick and stone exteriors may not be sandblasted due to their porous textures. Masonry surfaces should be tuck-pointed with mortar compatible with the color, texture, and form of the original mortar. Pressure washing shall be done in conjunction with other renovation items to be determined eligible.
- Accessibility: Fully renovated facades should be accessible to the handicapped. Renovations or additions that bring a building’s facade and/or entrance into conformance with ADA standards (e.g., ramps, doorway dimensions) are eligible expenses.
- Awnings: The addition of awnings is an eligible expense. Those proposed to be installed above public rights-of-way must receive encroachment agreements from the Department of Transportation.
- Painting: The paint color should complement the surrounding buildings. The areas to be painted must be in good condition, i.e., cracks and holes filled, area sanded, etc. Painting is encouraged to be part of a more comprehensive plan.
- Signage:
- Expenses relating to the removal of non-conforming grandfathered signs and subsequent construction of new signage conforming to the ordinance are eligible. Improved signage that is appropriate to the architecture and age of the building (i.e., scale, color, shape, lettering style, lighting, etc.) is also allowed.
- Parking Lots and Landscaping:
- Only parking lots visible from the public right-of-way are eligible. Only expenses relating to bringing a grandfathered parking lot into conformance with current parking and landscaping codes are eligible. A landscape plan is required. Landscaping will only take place during the planting season (November – March).
Eligibility Criteria
- Any tenant or property owner of commercial, for-profit property in Clover is eligible. Special consideration will be given to historic commercial properties located on Main Street, Bethel Street, and Kings Mountain Street. Buildings with commercial occupancy on the ground floor, and residential or offices above the main floor are eligible.
- Owners and tenants may request grants separately. Tenants must have the owner’s written permission with the application.
- Use of the building must conform to all current zoning codes and ordinances; non-conforming uses of any kind are not eligible. Non-conforming structures are eligible provided that the proposed project remedies the non-conformity. All real property taxes must be paid in full (proof required).
- Properties are not eligible for this grant more than one time during a twelve (12) month period.
For more information, visit Town of Clover.
