Downtown Facade Enhancement Program

The Downtown Facade Enhancement Program is a reimbursement-based grant initiative administered by the City of Bowling Green to preserve and enhance the historic character of downtown Bowling Green, Ohio. The program is designed to support property owners in maintaining and restoring the visual integrity of commercial and mixed-use buildings located within the Downtown Special Improvement District. By encouraging exterior improvements, the initiative seeks to strengthen economic vitality, preserve historic architecture, and improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the downtown corridor, particularly for properties visible from the public right-of-way. The primary purpose of this program is to assist in the preservation of historic structures while stimulating private investment in downtown revitalization. Through financial incentives, the City aims to enhance the appearance and functionality of building facades, support local economic development, and reinforce community identity. The program aligns with broader municipal goals to sustain vibrant business districts, attract visitors, and encourage continued investment in Bowling Green’s historic downtown area. The grant provides a 50 percent reimbursement for eligible exterior improvements, with a maximum award of $20,000 per project. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants may reapply for additional funding if resources remain available after September 1. Priority is given to first-time applicants. If all funds are exhausted, eligible applications may be placed on a waiting list and reconsidered the following year if additional funding is allocated. Awarded applicants receive reimbursement after project completion upon submission of paid invoices, photographic documentation, and verification by city staff. Eligible improvements include exterior renovations that enhance the facade of qualifying downtown buildings. Examples include awnings, masonry work such as brick cleaning and tuck pointing, painting, restoration or replacement of exterior windows and doors, roofing repairs or replacements, fire escapes or exterior upper-floor access, and other visible exterior enhancements. All proposed projects must receive approval from the Planning Department and may require consultation with the Historic Preservation Commission to ensure that historic features are maintained. Improvements that remove or alter significant architectural elements, such as ornamental cornices or historic storefront windows, are not eligible for reimbursement. Ineligible expenses include interior improvements, operating costs, HVAC or plumbing repairs, sidewalk repairs, furnishings, equipment, landscaping, and most commercial signage unless it is historically integral to the structure. Applicants must submit a detailed project description, current photographs, scaled renderings or drawings, and itemized cost estimates from qualified third parties. For project components exceeding $3,000, at least two competitive quotes are required unless otherwise justified. These requirements ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to preservation standards. Applications are administered by the City of Bowling Green Planning Department. Awardees are notified in writing of funding decisions. Because the grant operates as a reimbursement program, recipients must complete approved improvements and submit receipts by February 1 of the following year to receive payment. Interested applicants may contact the Planning Department for guidance and submission details. Through this initiative, the City of Bowling Green promotes historic preservation, economic development, and long-term community revitalization within its downtown district.

Ensure improvements preserve historic features and align with Planning Department and Historic Preservation Commission guidelines.