The City of Wickliffe is offering a reimbursement grant program aimed at commercial, non-franchised property owners and business owners to enhance the appearance of storefronts. This includes improvements to front facades, parking lots, signage, and street-visible hardscaping. The program's core goals are to promote reinvestment and restoration of commercial property, support efforts to improve exterior aesthetics, contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Wickliffe, and attract, retain, and support locally-owned businesses. The grant provides reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Projects must commence within three months of approval and be completed within twelve months.
The target beneficiaries of this program are commercial and non-franchised property owners and business owners within the City of Wickliffe. The impact goals are multifaceted, focusing on enhancing the visual appeal of the city's commercial areas, stimulating local economic activity through property improvements, and fostering a supportive environment for local businesses. By encouraging property upgrades, the program aims to create a more attractive and vibrant commercial district, which in turn can draw more customers and investments.
The program prioritizes several types of eligible projects. Front exterior façade improvements can include new/restored doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing (up to 50% of project cost), awnings, or outdoor cafes. Signage projects encompass company marks, awnings, and window/door graphics. Parking lot enhancements allow for seal coating, resurfacing, or full reconstruction, with a maximum grant of $1,000 for this category. Lastly, street-visible hardscaping may include perennial plantings as part of a larger project, with a $200 maximum for annual plantings. Ineligible projects include new-builds, roof work, apartment buildings without first-floor commercial spaces, and home-based businesses.
Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the aesthetic quality of commercial buildings and public-facing areas in Wickliffe. Measurable results could involve the number of grants awarded, the total investment in property improvements, an increase in business retention and attraction, and potentially a rise in commercial property values or business revenue in improved areas. The City's strategic priority is clearly economic development and urban revitalization, with a theory of change that posits that direct investment in commercial property aesthetics will lead to a more attractive business environment, which will then generate broader economic benefits for the community and its local businesses.
