Façade Grants for Commercial & Mixed-Use Properties in Michigan

The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority (the “DDA”) established its Façade Improvement Grant Program for Commercial & Mixed-Use Properties. Donor Name: Alpena Downtown Development Authority State: Michigan City: Alpena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In October 2023, the Alpena DDA was awarded $400,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through its Façade Restoration Initiative (FRI) Program to supplement our local program. Projects may now apply for grants of 50% of their façade project total. All projects must be complete by April 30, 2025. Funding Information The Design Committee may award grants under the program in any amount requested from a minimum award of $500.00 to up to 50% of eligible renovation costs. All requests must be approved by the DDA Board. Building Eligibility Requirements Location and Nature of Building Use.  Properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district engaging in retail, restaurant, commercial, entertainment, office services, or properties that are mixed- use shall be deemed eligible for grant funding. Any question concerning the eligibility of a specific property may be submitted to the Executive Director of the DDA. A determination of location and building use eligibility will be provided to the interested party within two business days following receipt of the inquiry. Payment of Taxes and Other Public Accounts. All previously billed and currently payable property taxes and annual installments of assessments must be paid in full for the subject property before an application for a façade improvement grant will be considered. Additionally, all City of Alpena accounts in the name of the applicant and/or attaching to the subject property must be current. All taxes, assessments, and other city accounts must be kept current during the application, review, construction, and post-construction processes. Nature of Façade. Grant funding may be requested for any façade (front, side, or rear) that fronts on a public right of way (street, alley, or public parking lot). Applicants may apply for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs per façade. All requests for funding must be approved by the DDA Board of Directors. Greater consideration for funding will be given to work proposed on a façade fronting a city street. Structural Integrity of Building. Buildings for which improvements are proposed must have basic structural integrity and an intact roof as confirmed by the City of Alpena Building Department, thereby protecting the DDA’s potential investment in the façade. Insurance Coverage. The applicant or the owner of the subject property must carry suitable property insurance coverage on the subject property and must provide a certificate of coverage to the DDA with the application. The applicant or owner is strongly encouraged to also carry a builder’s risk policy of insurance covering potential damage to the building’s structure by the contractor. For more information, visit Alpena DDA.