Historic Downtown Merriam Exterior Improvement Grant Program

The Historic Downtown Merriam Exterior Improvement Grant is a locally administered grant initiative managed by the City of Merriam, Kansas, through its Community Development Department. It is specifically designed to support business and property owners in Merriam’s historic downtown area by providing financial assistance for a wide range of outdoor improvements to commercial properties. The program aims to encourage revitalization, enhance visual appeal, and uphold the architectural character of the district. By offering a reimbursement structure, the City incentivizes investments that contribute to the district's aesthetic and structural integrity. The program is funded by the City of Merriam, which allocates an annual budget of $50,000 to this effort. It operates on a reimbursement basis, covering 30% of eligible improvement costs with a minimum reimbursement of $600 and a maximum of $10,000 per approved project. To qualify for reimbursement, applicants must invest at least $3,000 of their own funds in qualifying exterior improvements. These improvements may include painting, siding, window and door replacements, masonry repairs, awnings, additions, landscaping, foundation repairs, and flood proofing. Importantly, flood proofing must meet FEMA standards and be designed by a Kansas-licensed engineer. Eligibility is geographically limited to properties within a clearly defined area in Historic Downtown Merriam, as outlined on the program’s official map. Residential structures are not eligible, and all applicants must be property owners current on Merriam property taxes, possess adequate property insurance, and ensure their properties (as well as any other Merriam properties owned) are code compliant. All proposed improvements must comply with Merriam city codes, and any applicable Architectural Design Guidelines from October 18, 2002. Contractors hired for the work must hold valid Merriam Occupational licenses and, when applicable, Johnson County Contractor Licenses. The submission process is straightforward but structured. The 2025 application cycle opens on March 3, and applications must be submitted either by mail or in person at Merriam City Hall. Required materials include proof of paid property taxes, proof of insurance, contractor bids, and a completed application form. Work cannot begin until an application is approved, and reimbursement only covers third-party labor. Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits before beginning the project. Additionally, before and after photos will be taken by City staff, and a post-project inspection is required to confirm compliance and completion. Work must be completed within 120 days of approval and no later than September 15, 2025. The grant is structured to prevent repetitive awards to the same property. A single property may only receive funding once every five years, though owners of multiple properties may apply annually for only one of them. After project completion, applicants must submit at least $3,000 in receipts, complete a W-9 form, and pass a code inspection. The City retains the right to reject or terminate the program at any time without notice and will issue IRS Form 1099s for awarded grants. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult tax professionals regarding potential federal tax liabilities. The program is overseen by David Easley of the Community Development Department, who serves as the primary point of contact. He can be reached at 913-322-5526 for additional questions. All updates about future application cycles will be posted on the City of Merriam's official website.