Façade Grants for Commercial & Mixed-Use Properties in Michigan

The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has established a Façade Improvement Grant Program for Commercial & Mixed-Use Properties. This program aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of buildings within Alpena’s DDA district, thereby contributing to the overall revitalization of the downtown area. The DDA's mission aligns with this program by fostering economic development and creating a vibrant, attractive urban environment. The program was further bolstered in October 2023 when the Alpena DDA received a $400,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Façade Restoration Initiative (FRI) Program, supplementing local funding and allowing for broader impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are owners of commercial and mixed-use properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district. These properties must be engaged in retail, restaurant, commercial, entertainment, office services, or be mixed-use. The primary impact goal is to encourage significant improvements to building façades, which in turn is expected to attract more businesses and visitors to the downtown area, leading to increased economic activity and a more appealing urban landscape. By improving the appearance and structural soundness of buildings, the program seeks to create a more inviting and prosperous downtown for residents and tourists alike. The program prioritizes several key areas for grant funding. Applicants can request funding for façades (front, side, or rear) that front on a public right of way (street, alley, or public parking lot). Greater consideration for funding will be given to work proposed on a façade fronting a city street, indicating a focus on highly visible areas that contribute most directly to the public perception of the downtown. Additionally, eligible buildings must demonstrate basic structural integrity and an intact roof, ensuring that the DDA’s investment in façade improvements is protected and sustainable. The program also emphasizes financial responsibility, requiring all property taxes and city accounts to be current. The expected outcomes of the Façade Improvement Grant Program are multifaceted. Measurable results include an increase in the number of revitalized façades, a potential rise in property values within the DDA district, and an overall enhancement of the downtown’s visual appeal. The program also aims to stimulate private investment by offering grants for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs, with a minimum award of $500. All projects must be completed by April 30, 2025, ensuring timely execution and visible impact. The DDA’s strategic priority is to create a thriving downtown, and this program contributes to that goal by directly addressing the physical appearance and condition of its commercial properties, aligning with a theory of change that posits improved aesthetics and infrastructure will lead to economic growth and community well-being.