Façade & Awning Incentive Grant Program
Mission
To leverage private investment in the physical and aesthetic improvement of commercial properties with first floor/street-level storefronts and enhance the attractiveness of targeted areas within the City of Worcester. Learn about eligibility requirements below. To review examples of businesses that have utilized this program to grow their business in Worcester visit our testimonials page.
Funding
Funding for this program will be provided through the City of
Amount of Funding
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The maximum loan amount allowed per project is $10,000
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The maximum loan amount allowed per project is not to exceed 75% of the total project costs
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On an annual basis, the City may select two projects in the Downtown with a minimum project cost of $50,000 for a loan amount up to $25,000
Eligible Areas
Eligible areas include targeted commercial corridors in the Downtown and Canal District and along
See a map of targeted commercial corridors.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants shall be property owners of commercial buildings with first floor/street-level storefronts (Applicant) located within the targeted commercial corridors. First floor/street-level commercial/retail tenants may apply with the approval of the property owner as a co-applicant. In order for an application to be considered, all real estate taxes on the subject properties must be current.
Ineligible Applicants
Ineligible applicants include, but are not necessarily limited to, property owners of commercial buildings that house or will house check cashing agencies and some non-bank financial retail outlets, gun shops, pawn shops, liquor stores, sexually-oriented businesses, nail shops, and dollar stores.
The City reserves the right to reject any application that is incomplete or does not meet the Program Requirements in the sole opinion of the Economic Development Division. In addition, the City may decide on a case-by-case basis to reject any application that does not benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the targeted commercial corridor.
Eligible Activities
- Complete façade renovations**
- Lighting
- Signage
- Windows
- Doors
- Awnings
- Painting
- Entryways
For this program, facade is defined as the side of a building which faces and/or is visible from a public way and is generally used for public access.
Facade Design Guidelines
The Design Standards will promote high quality architecture by reinforcing basic urban design principles that make a city desirable and attractive for residents, employees and visitors. The Design Standards are not intended to limit development, but rather to ensure that the program is arranged on the site to respond to its context and to minimize adverse impacts to the pedestrian environment. Download the guidelines below.
Contact Person
Jackson Restrepo, Staff Assistant, 508-799-1400, x262, restrepoj@worcesterma.gov
