The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, on behalf of the Town of Ware is now accepting applications for their Façade Improvement Program.
Donor Name: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
State: Massachusetts
Town: Ware
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/01/2022
Size of the Grant: $40,000
Details:
The Façade Improvement Program is intended to assist commercial property owners in the renovation of the exterior of their buildings in order to improve the visual quality of the downtown and to enhance the area as a place to visit, shop and work.
Funding Information
- Deferred Payment Loan Option
- This program will contribute up to 100% of the cost of the renovation of a commercial storefront façade
- The maximum award will be $40,000
- One applicant per façade is allowed
- An architect is only required for major façade work (example: an architect is not required for brick re-appointing work)
- Grant Option
- A total of $50,000 is available under this program, with a maximum of $10,000 per project
- Grants are available for signs, awnings, windows, doors, and lighting projects
- Multiple businesses are allowed to apply for a single grant (example: multiple businesses in the same building may choose to submit one application for a new sign)
Eligibility Criteria
- Property owners interested in applying for a façade loan/grant will first discuss their plans with the Community Development Office at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Ware Director of Planning and Community Development, who, along with the Ware Design Review Committee, will guide property owners through the application and approval process. This will help applicants and architects (if applicable) design an eligible project that meets program requirements.
- All projects must be within the Opportunity Zone, formerly known as the slum and blight area, and included in the Slum & Blight Inventory, as approved by the MA Department of Housing and Community Development in 2017. Any commercial businesses outside the target area will not be eligible for this funding.
For more information, visit Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
