FACADE GRANT INFO
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. Façade Grant Program is to provide financial incentive grants to building owners or commercial tenants located within the Thibodaux Main Street District. The incentive grants are funded through a grant from the Lorio Foundation and administered by Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. and the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. Restoration of individual façade improves the visual appearance of the entire downtown, which is critical both to the success of individual businesses and to the economic health and vitality of the district as a whole.
PROGRAM
Businesses or property owners interested in applying for a grant must meet the following criteria:
The business or owner must be located within the boundaries of the Main Street District. The district boundaries include La. 1 to West 5th Street between Jackson Street & Canal Boulevard.
The business or owner must fill out a complete application detailing plans for the proposed alterations.
Grant awards will be on an annual basis and range between $500 and $8,000 per applicant.
The applicant must provide a 1 to 1 cash or in-kind match for the project.
The applicant will agree to comply with all local land use laws as well as any local or state laws pertinent to the project such as, but not limited to: Building Codes, the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and the State Historic Preservation Act (for historic structures).
Grant will be awarded to grantees upon completion of the project.
Applications must meet one of the eligible project categories to be eligible for consideration.
Projects cannot have started prior to a grant award.
All applicants that meet the above criteria will have their applications reviewed and rated by the Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. Review Committee. The Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. Review Committee will present all recommendations for project awards to the Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. Board of Directors for final approval. Any projects undertaken before receiving approval from the Board will not be eligible for a grant.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Eligible applicants for façade renovation and/or restoration grants include building owners or tenants (with owner permission) of commercial buildings in the defined Main Street District. In addition, only the principal structure of a property is eligible. No outbuildings or accessory buildings such as garages and barns shall be eligible.
Grants must be utilized for any (or a combination) of the following façade renovations, rehabilitation, or restorations:
Painting
New walls and siding, and repair of same
New awnings
Exterior storefront and/or storefront display lighting
Cleaning and repointing of brick
Windows
New signage
Other areas, on approval (may include specific projects not listed here)
All of the above façade improvements must be in keeping with the architectural or historical characteristics to ensure compatibility with the existing downtown, helping to create a uniform and coordinated streetscape which is attractive and functional. Buildings with multiple retail stores are only eligible for one (1) façade grant per year.
REVIEW CRITERIA
Projects including historic buildings in danger of being lost, in part, or in total, to disrepair shall have priority for funding. This may include properties listed on the state and/or national registers of historic places or properties with historical, architectural or cultural significance. In addition, vacant properties where façade improvements would reduce the perception of downtown decay shall also receive high consideration for funding.
The following criteria will be used in reviewing applications:
Project will create or expand a business
Project will sustain jobs or create new jobs
Public to private investment cost ratio
Aesthetic impact of the renovation on character of Main Street
Degree of the improvement(s) capitalize(s) on building’s architectural assets
Degree of historical integrity of renovation plans
Property is on or eligible for State/National Historic Register
Other building improvements completed beyond those funded
Project demonstrates collaboration/partnership
Proposed renovation will stop serious deterioration of the building’s facade
The Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. Review Committee and the Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. Board of Directors will review all applications against these criteria.
DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FOR SPRING 2010 NOW
Email Jessica Durocher with any questions: thibodauxmainstreet@yahoo.com
