Accepting Applications Starting January 1, 2020!
How does the program work?
The Washington Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program is administered by Washington’s Downtown Development Authority and Washington Main Street Program. Funds are available for façade improvements to buildings located within the DDA boundaries. Typically, commercial tenants or commercial property owners may receive reimbursements of 50% (not to exceed $500) of the cost of the approved facade improvements, signage or awning.
Project Eligibility
Eligible projects should visibly improve the unique historic character of the storefront or back entryway or allow the non-conforming storefront to fit better within the historic area. Examples include but are not limited to appropriate awnings, exterior painting, window, door, storefront, back entry feature restorations and changes. These funds are available for exterior improvements only and may be applied to a front, side or rear façade, provided the façade faces a public street or parking lot.
Funding Dates
Façade work is eligible if approved, started and completed before December 15, 2019. This granting period will be issued on a first come, first served basis until the available funds are awarded.
Historic District Approval
The Washington Historic Preservation Commission MUST review and approve projects taking place within Washington’s locally designated Historic District before Façade Grant approval may be granted. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and/or Historic District Sign Permit must accompany this application for Historic District Properties. Please contact Janet Parker at 706-990-0000 with questions regarding COA and Yoshe Jenkins at 706-678-3277 for questions regarding a Sign Permit. Note: Repainting a structure does not require a COA.
Design Assistance
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Main Street Program provides a design consultant to Main Street communities to help you plan your project. The Main Street Director can provide assistance and referral.
Application and Award Process
Complete the façade grant application form and return it in person to the Main Street Office at 104 E. Liberty St., Suite 201 in downtown Washington or by mail to Main Street Washington, P.O. Box 9, Washington, GA 30673. Tenants must include a letter of permission from the property owner. Allow 30-45 days for review of your application by the DDA. You will be notified if the grant is approved and may begin work. You may NOT begin work before you are notified of approval. After the project is completed, you must submit project documentation including receipts and/or canceled checks to the Main Street Office. Grant awards will be made after staff has inspected the completed project and reviewed all project documentation.
Restrictions
Yes, the application must be approved BEFORE you do the work, not after you begin. Because of the limited funds available at this time, the DDA cannot grant funds to the same applicant more than once every other year. Exception: If grant funds are remaining September 1st of the current award year applications from the previous year’s awardees will be considered. Also, only one façade grant per building is allowed per three-year period. Exception: If grant funds are remaining November 1st of the current award year applications for work on previously awarded buildings will be considered.
Grant Close Out
All grants must be closed-out within six months of the award or by December 15th of the award year, whichever comes first. Closing out the grant includes submitting all eligible receipts for review and receiving reimbursements. Funding will be de-allocated for projects that are not closed out within six months of the award notice.
For Additional Information
Contact Washington Main Street at (706) 990-0000 or jparker@wga.gov
The Washington Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program is administered by Washington’s Downtown Development Authority and Washington Main Street Program. Funds are available for façade improvements to buildings located within the DDA boundaries. Typically, commercial tenants or commercial property owners may receive reimbursements of 50% (not to exceed $500) of the cost of the approved facade improvements, signage or awning.
Project Eligibility
Eligible projects should visibly improve the unique historic character of the storefront or back entryway or allow the non-conforming storefront to fit better within the historic area. Examples include but are not limited to appropriate awnings, exterior painting, window, door, storefront, back entry feature restorations and changes. These funds are available for exterior improvements only and may be applied to a front, side or rear façade, provided the façade faces a public street or parking lot.
Funding Dates
Façade work is eligible if approved, started and completed before December 15, 2019. This granting period will be issued on a first come, first served basis until the available funds are awarded.
Historic District Approval
The Washington Historic Preservation Commission MUST review and approve projects taking place within Washington’s locally designated Historic District before Façade Grant approval may be granted. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and/or Historic District Sign Permit must accompany this application for Historic District Properties. Please contact Janet Parker at 706-990-0000 with questions regarding COA and Yoshe Jenkins at 706-678-3277 for questions regarding a Sign Permit. Note: Repainting a structure does not require a COA.
Design Assistance
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Main Street Program provides a design consultant to Main Street communities to help you plan your project. The Main Street Director can provide assistance and referral.
Application and Award Process
Complete the façade grant application form and return it in person to the Main Street Office at 104 E. Liberty St., Suite 201 in downtown Washington or by mail to Main Street Washington, P.O. Box 9, Washington, GA 30673. Tenants must include a letter of permission from the property owner. Allow 30-45 days for review of your application by the DDA. You will be notified if the grant is approved and may begin work. You may NOT begin work before you are notified of approval. After the project is completed, you must submit project documentation including receipts and/or canceled checks to the Main Street Office. Grant awards will be made after staff has inspected the completed project and reviewed all project documentation.
Restrictions
Yes, the application must be approved BEFORE you do the work, not after you begin. Because of the limited funds available at this time, the DDA cannot grant funds to the same applicant more than once every other year. Exception: If grant funds are remaining September 1st of the current award year applications from the previous year’s awardees will be considered. Also, only one façade grant per building is allowed per three-year period. Exception: If grant funds are remaining November 1st of the current award year applications for work on previously awarded buildings will be considered.
Grant Close Out
All grants must be closed-out within six months of the award or by December 15th of the award year, whichever comes first. Closing out the grant includes submitting all eligible receipts for review and receiving reimbursements. Funding will be de-allocated for projects that are not closed out within six months of the award notice.
For Additional Information
Contact Washington Main Street at (706) 990-0000 or jparker@wga.gov
| Washington Facade Grant Application |