City of Wentzville Facade Improvement Grant Program

The City of Wentzville's Facade Improvement Grant Program aims to preserve historic structures and prevent neighborhood deterioration through renovation and restoration efforts. This initiative is a 50-50 matching grant, with individual projects eligible for up to $10,000. While the description does not explicitly state a foundation mission, the program's focus on historic preservation and community revitalization aligns with broader municipal goals of maintaining aesthetic integrity and fostering economic stability within its districts. The program acts as a strategic tool to achieve these city-wide development and preservation objectives. The target beneficiaries of this program are businesses and mixed-use buildings over 30 years old located within the HD-1, HD-2, or HD-3 zoning districts. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to boost property development, strengthen both new and existing businesses, and facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. By supporting these specific entities, the program intends to create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community through improved infrastructure and a more vibrant commercial landscape. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly articulated: encouraging the preservation of historic structures, preventing general neighborhood deterioration, and promoting renovation and restoration. These priorities are addressed through the specific design of the grants, which require a 50-50 match, indicating a shared investment and commitment to the success of the projects. The emphasis on properties within designated historic and downtown zoning districts underscores the program's strategic focus on areas critical for community identity and economic activity. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance of buildings within the targeted districts, increased property values, and a more robust local economy driven by strengthened businesses. Measurable results could include the number of facade renovations completed, the total amount of private investment leveraged by the matching grants, and potentially an increase in new business openings or retention rates within the program areas. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated for the City of Wentzville, the program implicitly operates on the principle that investing in the physical attractiveness and structural integrity of its commercial and historic properties will lead to enhanced community pride, increased economic activity, and sustained neighborhood vitality.