City of Columbia Heights Facade Improvement Grant Program

The City of Columbia Heights, through its Economic Development Authority (EDA), offers the Façade Improvement Grant Program in partnership with the Columbia Heights Police Department (CHPD) and Community Development Department. This initiative aims to stimulate economic activity, reduce crime, and enhance the visual and functional quality of commercial districts. The program is specifically designed to assist commercial property owners, tenants with owner consent, and 501(c)(3) organizations in select corridors within the city—namely, 37th Avenue NE, 37th Place NE, 40th Avenue NE, University Avenue NE, and Central Avenue NE. The overarching objective of the grant is twofold: to support revitalization of exterior storefronts and to bolster public safety through the strategic placement of surveillance infrastructure. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. For most applicants, the maximum reimbursement is $5,000. However, businesses located within the Central Business Zoning District may qualify for an enhanced reimbursement amount of up to $10,000. In situations where the CHPD determines that an exterior surveillance system is warranted, the EDA will oversee installation of security cameras and recording equipment, which will be maintained through a lease agreement over a five-year term. Eligible façade improvements must be visible from public streets or alleyways and performed by licensed contractors. These may include architectural enhancements, signage (excluding LED), exterior lighting, painting, masonry work, landscaping elements, and eco-friendly upgrades such as living walls or reclaimed materials. Labor costs and necessary design work are eligible for reimbursement, while ineligible costs include interior renovations, new construction, and roofing work. All improvements must be pre-approved by the EDA and included in a signed grant agreement prior to beginning construction. Applicants are required to submit a detailed application to the Columbia Heights EDA, which includes before photographs, a full improvement plan, proof of good standing with the city, and at least two competitive contractor bids. Upon grant award, a meeting will be held to review the improvement plan and finalize expectations. Improvements must commence within 60 days of signing the agreement and be completed within six months of receiving necessary permits. Reimbursement is processed after final inspection, contractor invoices, proof of payment, and after-project photos are submitted. The grant program operates on a rolling basis and will remain open until the annual funding allocation is depleted. No specific deadlines for submission were noted, making this an ongoing opportunity for qualified applicants. Inquiries may be directed to the City of Columbia Heights at (763) 706-3600 or via email at info@columbiaheightsmn.gov. The EDA is located at 3989 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This initiative reflects a long-term commitment by the City of Columbia Heights to foster a safe, vibrant, and economically resilient community by directly supporting commercial revitalization and crime prevention strategies through collaborative public investment.