Downtown Curb Appeal Grant applications available
Local commercial property owners throughout the Village of Waterford are being offered a unique opportunity to help revitalize the community’s historic character and promote the area’s commerce and culture.
The Curb Appeal Grant program, introduced by the village in October, offers grant money to improve the façades of commercial buildings on Main Street and throughout the village.
This is a matching grant program that is based on similar programs used successfully in Union Grove and Burlington.
Working with Absolutely Waterford (AW), a non-profit group committed to restoring the downtown Heritage District, and Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC), the village is providing up to $5,000 in matching funds toward projects that follow recently approved Heritage District Design guidelines.
Besides a total of $60,000 in Curb Appeal Grants available through the village’s general fund, AW can at no charge provide building façade design assistance from the Wisconsin Main Street program in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for properties in the Heritage District.
AW can also provide further information regarding current preservation and renovation resources.
The program will help transform Waterford into a downtown destination community, according to Waterford Village Clerk and active AW volunteer, Vikki Zuehlke.
The program is an important way to help get the word out “that we are in the Wisconsin Main Street Program and, along with staff from Main Street, we have a group of volunteers working toward improving the look, character and economic vitality of Waterford that will make us a destination,” she explained.
“The funding encourages and helps business and property owners make improvements on their façades that will create a beautiful visual impact.”
To date, five applicants have come forward, with four applications approved by the Heritage District Design Committee for nearly $12,000 in matching grant dollars made available, pending contingencies.
Building enhancements already achieved or in the works through grant funding include: Martini Mo’s, 201 E. Main St.; the Ink Spot and Hometown Computers site at 216 N. Milwaukee St.; In Home Floor & Window Fashions, 241 N. Milwaukee St.; Rendezvous Jewelers, 217 E. Main St.; and Bon Voyage Cruise & Vacations, 116 N. Milwaukee St.
Because this is a matching grant program, the anticipated leverage amount is expected to be $2 or $3 per every $1 of public investment, said Tina Chitwood, RCEDC community development manager.
“This means for the $60,000 initial capitalization of the project by the Village, the community can anticipate that building improvements would total $120,000 to $180,000 of new investment,” she explained.
Interested in revitalizing a façade?
The Curb Appeal Grant application is available at the Village Hall, 123 N. River St., or online at www.absolutelywaterford.org.
Applications are due 15 days before the upcoming Heritage District Design Committee meeting. These meetings are scheduled as needed on the third Wednesday of each month at Village Hall, beginning at 4 p.m.
Grants can be used to fund improvements to the exterior front, rear and side facades and signs of existing commercial buildings. Other eligible uses include painting, cleaning, awnings, materials, labor, entrances, window repairs, masonry work, architectural assistance, lighting, signage and roofs with decorative elements will be considered.
Although it is not a requirement, it is recommended that the applicant consult with an architect regarding any structural or major façade renovation activities.
In order to complete the application, grant seekers must schedule a meeting with the village building inspector at Village Hall to discuss the proposed project and any site plans developed.
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