The Façade Improvement Grant is now open for applications with expanded eligibility to allow for back alley improvements to support businesses during phase four of the Downtown Rehabilitation and Streetscapes Project.

On November 2, City Council approved reopening applications for the Façade Improvement Grant to a maximum of $200,000 in total allotted funding.

Council also approved granting $90,000 from the phase four Downtown Rehabilitation and Streetscape Project budget to the Downtown Association to support their marketing strategy during construction.

Reopening the Façade Improvement Grant for the duration of the phase four construction project and expanding eligibility to include improvements to the rear façades of buildings directly impacted by construction provides business owners the opportunity to strategically shift their operations.

The grant offers up to $50,000 in funding to downtown building owners and tenants making improvements to the fronts of their buildings, as well as the back alleys of businesses directly impacted by construction.

Applications are now open and are being accepted until phase four of the Downtown Rehabilitation and Streetscape project is complete or until funding runs out. Applications are reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis and applicants are encouraged to apply early at cityofgp.com/downtownincentives.

To date, the downtown incentives program has awarded $1.6 million to 41 businesses.