Seymour Main Street Façade, Awning and Signage Grant Program

The Façade, Awning and Signage Grant Program is a targeted financial initiative administered by Seymour Main Street and funded through the City of Seymour Redevelopment Commission. This program aims to improve the overall visual aesthetic and economic vitality of the Seymour Main Street District by offering support for the physical enhancement of commercial building facades. By encouraging improvements to signage, awnings, and exterior building features, the program supports the long-term sustainability of the downtown district and promotes uniform architectural appeal that aligns with the historical character of the area. Grants are available on a 1:1 matching basis, with the maximum award per project capped at $20,000. Projects are expected to be completed within six months from the award date. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners within the designated district boundaries—specifically between Pine Street and Broadway Street, from 5th Street to Bruce Street. Tenants of commercial buildings are also eligible, provided the proposed work is focused on the principal structure. Outbuildings and accessory structures such as garages and barns are not eligible. The program places special emphasis on architectural compatibility, requiring that proposed improvements conform to established historical and design guidelines, including use of a pre-approved color palette. Project types that may be funded include the addition or removal of signage or awnings, exterior painting, tuckpointing, and the replacement of architectural detail. In contrast, ineligible projects include interior improvements, inappropriate material installations, window repairs, landscaping, electronic signs, and various other modifications that do not align with the program’s intent to preserve and enhance the district’s historic character. To qualify, all work must begin after official approval, and projects undertaken prematurely are automatically disqualified from funding. Applications are reviewed by the Seymour Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee. Key evaluation criteria include whether the renovation supports business creation or expansion, job creation or retention, aesthetic enhancement, use of architectural assets, historical integrity, and the prevention of structural deterioration. Buildings that are vacant but historically significant, or in danger of being lost to disrepair, receive priority consideration. Additionally, applicants must comply with all local and state regulations and provide complete documentation including project descriptions, cost estimates, insurance, permits, and visual plans. Upon project completion, funds are disbursed in full. However, grant repayment is required if, within 24 months of project completion, the business ceases operations, the property is sold, or material misrepresentations are discovered. In such cases, repayment occurs in 12 equal installments unless repayment is deemed necessary due to misrepresentation, in which case full repayment is required immediately. Grants are secured through a mortgage agreement unless the applicant holds only a leasehold interest. If no repayment issues arise within the 24-month period, the grant is fully forgiven. The program does not currently provide a specified application period or rolling acceptance process. Interested parties are encouraged to gather detailed documentation and ensure strict compliance with the program’s design and historical guidelines before submitting an application. All improvements are expected to contribute meaningfully to the preservation, modernization, and visual cohesion of the Seymour Main Street District.