PURPOSE
The Facade Improvement Grant Program is designed to assist local businesses in restoring their storefronts and facilities damaged by the tornado that struck Shawnee on April 19, 2023. This initiative is part of the ongoing Tornado Recovery Program in Shawnee, OK. This grant funding is aimed at revitalizing the community and supporting local businesses in their ongoing recovery efforts.
The grant reimburses 50% of eligible expenses incurred during a comprehensive facade improvement. A facade is defined as the principal face(s) of a building that is on a public street. The minimum reimbursement is $500 and the maximum is $5,000.
AREAS
- City of Shawnee
- Pottawatomie County
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Owners and/or tenants of commercial properties in the Program Eligibility Area that meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition for a small business in their unique North American Industry Classification (NAICS) codes.
- Non-profit organizations, as defined by Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, will also be eligible.
- Owners and/or tenants of commercial properties in a Program Eligibility Area.
- Tenant must receive approval from property owner.
- Owner must have owned the building prior to April 19, 2023.
- Tenant must have been in business at the location prior to April 19, 2023.
- Property must currently be in compliance with all Zoning and Unified Development Code requirements or commit to complying prior to completion of the proposed project.
- Applicant and/or property owners must be current on all City property taxes.
- No City liens against applicant and/or property owner.
- Property and all proposed improvements must face and be visible from the public right-of-way.
- Ability to meet program insurance requirements.
- Project must be completed within six 6 months of commencement
FUNDING STRUCTURE
- Minimum grant amount = $500
- Maximum grant amount = $5,000
- Program will provide 50% of total, approved project costs up to a maximum of $5,000 for projects located in the Program Eligibility Area
DISBURSEMENT STRUCTURE
- 100% disbursed once the entire project is completed and all inspections and related requirements have been made.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
- Costs associated with making facade, landscape, and signage improvements.
- Facade Renovations (including, but not limited to):
- Installation of stucco, stone, or masonry elements on the facade;
- Replacement of exterior elements such as doors, windows, and awnings;
- Facade painting;
- Removal of security / “burglar” bars;
- Installation of security window film; and
- Replacement of degraded exterior elements.
- Landscape Renovations (including but not limited to):
- Installation of landscape elements (in-ground or planters) along base of exterior, stand-alone signage and entrances to buildings.
- Signage Renovations (including but not limited to):
- Removal of damaged signage;
- Sign consolidation (combining multiple tenant signage into a single multi-tenant pylon sign); and
- Replacement of temporary signage with permanent signage affixed to building.
- All proposed improvements must conform to respective Unified Development Code and Historic Preservation requirements, as applicable.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
1. Completed application form
2. Valid applicant identification
3. Color photographs of current facade (must show facade/areas to be improved)
4. Renderings, drawings, pictures and/or other material samples to show intended facade improvements
5. At least two (2) estimates from licensed contractors, if a contractor is required, showing itemized projected costs. If a contractor is not required, an itemized budget is required. *
6. Evidence of financial ability to meet matching requirements (bank statement, loan commitment letter, etc.)
7. Schedule of completion
8. $40.00 application fee
*Shawnee Forward reserves the right to obtain its own estimate
PROCESS
1. Applicant submits application and supplementary documentation.
2. Shawnee Forward accepts application and schedules FIG Team meeting that evaluates and recommends approval of application.
3. Applicant is notified of decision.
4. If approved, terms of FIG Agreement are determined.
5. Improvements must be completed within 12 months of the date signed FIG Agreement.
6. Applicant submits documentation of completed project for approved reimbursement.