Façade & Building Improvement Grant Program

The Façade & Building Improvement Grant Program is a place-based funding opportunity offered by Colville Together, a downtown revitalization initiative based in Colville, Washington. This grant is designed to support property owners within a defined focus area—bounded by 3rd Avenue to Birch Avenue and Wynne Street to Oak Street—by encouraging investment in building aesthetics and structural integrity. Administered by the Colville Together Design Committee, the program aims to foster creative, community-centered revitalization efforts while preserving the historical and architectural character of downtown Colville. Grants are awarded annually, and the program is recurring, subject to availability of funding. Applicants eligible for this grant include owners of commercial properties, including those operated by nonprofit organizations, as well as multi-family residential properties located within the designated downtown focus area. All applicants must comply with the Façade and Building Improvement Grant Agreements and Conditions, which accompany the grant application. The program requires a minimum 20% owner match, ensuring shared investment in the outcomes. Grants cannot be applied retroactively, and applicants must be in good standing with local property taxes and assessments. Eligible uses of grant funds are tightly focused on exterior improvements that enhance the overall look and function of downtown buildings. Allowable projects include, but are not limited to, restoration or installation of awnings, exterior painting or paint removal, installation of murals, structural repairs such as roof work, architectural restoration, replacement of doors and windows, storefront rehabilitation, removal of unsightly metal siding, and elements that enhance surrounding spaces such as bike racks and landscaping. Design assistance, including floor plans and elevation drawings, may also be available on a competitive basis, further supporting property owners with architectural guidance. The evaluation and selection process is conducted by the Design Committee using criteria centered around the proposed project's impact, cost feasibility, permanence, and contributions to community development. Projects located in highly visible areas and those which restore historical or architectural features are prioritized. Community-minded applicants, especially those who contribute to local promotion or maintain their property in a way that supports neighboring businesses, are also favorably reviewed. The application process begins with a required contact to Colville Together, followed by submission of a complete application package. Required materials include completed forms, illustrations, photographs, contractor estimates, material samples, and any required city permits or approvals from the Historic Preservation Commission. The 2026 application deadline is February 27, with award notifications issued by March 5 and official announcements made by March 12. All renovation or rehabilitation work must be completed within six months of starting construction, and work must commence within two years of receiving the award. Approved applicants will be reimbursed upon successful completion and inspection of their project, and only after documentation of matching funds, paid invoices, and compliance with permit requirements is submitted. Additionally, Colville Together may promote awarded projects through signage, photography, and other materials. This grant exemplifies community-driven revitalization and seeks to enhance Colville’s downtown district through intentional investment and collaborative improvement efforts.

Emphasize impact on visibility and historical preservation; demonstrate community engagement and sustainability.