Façade Grants for Residential Properties in Michigan

The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is offering a Façade Grant for Residential Properties, expanding its existing program to include properties with residential use. This initiative aligns with the DDA's mission to enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of downtown Alpena by investing in property improvements. The grant aims to encourage property owners to improve the exterior of their buildings, thereby contributing to a more attractive and well-maintained downtown district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are owners of residential properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district. This includes single-family homes, multi-family units, duplexes, townhouses, and rental properties. The impact goal is to stimulate private investment in façade improvements, leading to an overall beautification of the downtown area, increased property values, and a more vibrant community for residents and visitors alike. The program prioritizes façade improvements that front on a public right-of-way (street, alley, or public parking lot), with greater consideration given to work proposed on façades facing city streets. Applicants can apply for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs per façade, with a maximum award of $10,000 per façade. The DDA’s strategic priority is to create a visibly appealing and economically robust downtown, and this grant serves as a direct mechanism to achieve that by supporting property owners in their improvement efforts. Expected outcomes include a noticeable increase in the number of renovated residential façades within the DDA district. Measurable results could be tracked through the number of grant applications received and approved, the total amount of grant funding disbursed, and before-and-after photographs of improved properties. The underlying theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for façade improvements, the DDA can leverage private investment to achieve its broader goals of community development and economic prosperity in downtown Alpena.