Façade Improvement Grant program

Overview

Hamilton’s Historic Downtown Area

These guidelines outline the process by which Hamilton’s Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program will be administered, including eligible applicants and activities, review process, and scoring criteria. Hamilton’s FIG program is a partnership between the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA), and Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement District. To improve and maintain downtown Hamilton’s historic character and visual appeal, the FIG is intended to encourage the restoration and rehabilitation of eligible downtown properties. To make these improvements efforts more affordable for property owners, the program provides 1:1 matching grants up to $7,500.

Eligible Applicants

Only properties located in Hamilton’s Historic Downtown Area are eligible for FIG funding. The Historic Downtown Area is defined in the City of Hamilton’s Building and Site Design Guidelines and is shown on the map. Building tenants may apply for FIG funding with approval of the building owner. The building owner must guarantee the grant.

Eligible Activities

  • Rehabilitation or compatible reconstruction of storefronts.

  • Masonry repair and repainting.

  • Mural installation, preservation of historic painted “ghost signs,” or paint removal.

  • Repair and replacement of architectural details or materials, or of critical façade structural elements.

  • Removal of non-historic elements from façades (metal siding, non-historical false façades, etc.).

  • Removal of highly tinted windows and openings and/or installation of clear windows and openings.

  • Window repair or replacement (removal of historic windows is not recommended).

  • Awning or canopy repair, removal, or replacement.

  • Store and restaurant signage (new signs or rehabilitation of historic signs), or removal of signage such as abandoned and non-contextual signs.

  • Improvement to outdoor plazas or patios that serve as a public entrance to a commercial use.

  • Any other improvement that is not an ineligible activity and is approved by the FIG Committee.

Ineligible Activities

  • Past or in-progress improvements.

  • Interior rehabilitation unless it is essential to rehabilitate the building’s exterior façade.

  • Interior decoration.

  • Any project that would permanently remove all or portion of a historic building.

  • Improvements to outdoor plazas or patios that do not serve as public entrance to a commercial use.

  • Improvements to or provision of new off-street parking.

  • General business operations or property expenses including payroll, taxes, utilities, etc.

  • Any inventory or equipment for the operation of a business.

  • Any payment or refinancing of property or business debt, or payment of liens, judgements or fines.

  • “Sweat equity” or payment for applicant’s own labor.

Minimum Requirements

  • Maximum funding per proposal: $7,500.

  • Minimum required match by applicant: 1:1

  • Exterior renovations shall, to the extent practical, preserve and promote historic architectural features of the building.

  • All construction work shall comply with applicable laws, codes, and regulations for building and site development.

Terms and Conditions

  • Grantees will be required to sign a grant agreement guaranteeing the project will be completed according to the details included on the grant application and approved by the HDA Board.

  • Payment to the successful applicant will be made as a reimbursement upon completion of the project. Applicant must submit evidence of all eligible expenses in legitimate documentable forms – receipts, invoices, etc. – for work actually completed.

  • Projects must begin within 6 months of grant approval and be completed within 1 year of grant approval unless the approval letter states otherwise or a written extension is granted by the FIG Committee.

Application Process

  1. Call for Applications:.
    Application window will be open until February 15, 2024.

  2. Review process.

    • The HDA Staff will review applications for completeness, eligibility and request additional information as necessary.

    • The FIG committee will review completed applications and determine if review by other public agencies is needed. The committee may also impose special terms or conditions of financial assistance. The application will be forwarded to the HDA Board of Directors for approval or denial.

    • The HDA Board of Directors will make final determination of the grant application.

  3. Notice of Award.
    Written notice of awards will be mailed to successful applicants explaining the terms of financial assistance. Unsuccessful applicants will be mailed letters stating the reasons for rejection.

  4. Development Agreement.
    HDA and the Applicant must execute a mutually agreeable Development Agreement which establishes the terms and conditions of financial assistance.

Distribution of Funds

Prior to releasing grant funds, the applicant shall provide the following:

  • Documentation that all necessary permits, licenses, and any other requirements have been obtained.

  • Photo documentation of the completed project.

  • Documentation of expenditures, including copies of all paid bills, invoices or receipts for materials, final bills of sale or canceled checks and lien releases. All documentation shall be reviewed and approved by the HDA Executive Director prior to release of funds.