The Façade Improvement Program in Crisfield, Maryland is to make revitalization efforts by local businesses affordable, creative, and community-based while leveraging private improvements.
Donor Name: City of Crisfield
State: Maryland
City: Crisfield
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/14/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The program is currently designed to offer grants to business and property owners in Crisfield to assist them with exterior improvements to their business properties. Currently there is a total of $75,000 from the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Legacy Grant. Funds must be matched dollar for dollar with the equity of the business property, so for every dollar of grant money that is awarded, the applicant must secure either a 5-year forgivable lien against their property or match the funds with private funding with no lien required. Applications can be for up to $15,000.
Priority Funding
Priority for funds will be given to (not in order of priority):
- Rehabilitation or compatible reconstruction of storefronts
- Front façade projects over other parts of the building
- Commercial/Income–Producing Buildings (over those owned by public or non-profit agencies)
- Awnings–repair or installation
- Store signage – new and rehabilitating existing and historic signage
- Improvements and/or restoration of historical features
- Businesses that serve important community needs
- Legacy and minority businesses
- Improvements that include matching funds from business owners.
Eligible Improvements
- Exterior cleaning and/or paint removal and painting
- Masonry repair and repointing
- Repair or removal and replacement of architectural details or materials
- Window and door repair or replacement
- Rehabilitation or compatible reconstruction of storefronts
- Removal of metal siding and exterior slip covers (surfaces), in some cases replacement of siding
- Restoration or replacement of deteriorated or hazardous walkways – new ones must be ADA compliant and not the sole
- Repair and/or replacement of signage
- Exterior lighting
- Rehabilitation of existing awnings and/or new awnings
- Murals
- Repairs and/or installation of new roofs.
Who can apply?
Any building owner or store proprietor/tenant with lease authority or authorization from the owner can apply for funding. New property owners and new business tenants are encouraged to apply. To qualify for the business funds, properties must be commercial and located within the Sustainable Community boundaries, which generally fall within the town limits of the City of Crisfield and will be verified. Buildings within the Historic District and Arts and Entertainment District are awarded more points in the review process. Properties cannot be vacant and tenants must have a minimum of two years remaining on their lease or an option to renew.
For more information, visit City of Crisfield.
