Download MERIDIAN MAIN STREET is offering a Façade Improvement Grant

Main Street Meridian
Façade Improvement Grant Program
MAIN STREET MERIDIAN is offering a
Façade Improvement Grant. Through the
generosity of the Meridian City Council a
façade improvement grant is available from
MAIN STREET MERIDIAN to downtown property
and business owners. The Main Street
approach is a coordinated management
initiative for downtown revitalization, focused
on an image-building strategy around a FourPoint Approach. The four points are design, promotion, economic restructuring,
and organization. It has been the experience of over twelve hundred Main Street
Communities that the design and physical integrity of downtown commercial
structures is extremely important, not only as a matter of aesthetics, but also to
enhance the success of retail and commercial businesses. Property owners who
have reinvested in their buildings through restoration and facade improvements
have in most cases realized real gains in property values. This impact transcends
to neighboring structures and to the total property value of the downtown
commercial district.
The facade improvement program utilizes public funds to entice private
investment by property owners interested in rehabilitating and restoring
downtown commercial structures, stressing their historic significance. The goal of
the Main Street Meridian Facade Improvement Program really encompasses four
points: 1) to encourage historic preservation through restoration of downtown
structures, 2) to abate any continued deterioration of downtown commercial
and/or residential structures, 3) to augment the natural assets of downtown by
restoring the uniqueness, character and integrity of downtown structures to the
period of their construction, and 4) to help in the economic recovery of downtown
through increased sales in retail and commercial businesses, and increased
valuation of property.
Main Street Meridian will work with property owners or business owners to
develop recommendations for paint colors, need or appropriateness of awning
treatment, color schemes, window treatments, advice on masonry repair and
signage. The purpose of the program is to make the largest visual impact
possible on downtown Meridian.
To qualify for assistance an applicant must comply with the Main Street
Meridians Façade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines. The grant
application must be formally approved in writing by Main Street Meridian’s
Board of Directors, all guidelines must be followed, and all improvements
must be approved prior to work being started.
Main Street Meridian
Façade Improvement Grant Program
Guidelines
APPLICATION PROCESS
To submit an application, contact the Main Street Meridian office (Sharon Smith, Executive Director
– (601) 484-6841 or complete the attached application form and mail it to:
Façade Improvement Grant Program
Attention: Sharon Smith, Executive Director
Main Street Meridian
P. O. Box 1430
Meridian, MS 39302
Persons seeking a grant must complete and return the application form in consultation with the
Executive Director of Main Street Meridian. The Main Street office can assist you in planning your
project and obtaining necessary information. A completed application and written notification of
grant approval from the Main Street Meridian Design Review Committee and Board of Directors
must be received before any work has begun.
GUIDELINES
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Grant applications are received on a continuous basis until all grant funding is expended.
During fiscal year 2005 – 2006, Main Street Meridian anticipates making a minimum of 7
(seven) façade improvement grants based on project needs.
Eligible buildings are those geographically located within the boundaries of downtown
Meridian. The target area is defined as bounded by 18th Avenue and 26th Avenue from Front
Street to 14th Street, Main Street Meridian’s strategic revitalization target area.
Maximum grant per building is $3,000. In case of contiguous buildings, all under the same
ownership by the applicant, the intent is for one grant per applicant.
Grants are given for façade improvement only, not for normal maintenance.
The preliminary design request will be reviewed by Main Street Meridian’s Design Committee
and submitted to the Main Street Meridian Board of Directors for approval for design
appropriateness using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as the
guideline.
All proposed work must be approved by the Architectural Review Board of the City of Meridian
prior to submission of a grant application to Main Street Meridian’s Façade Grant Program. A
written letter of approval by the Architectural Review Board must be submitted with the grant
application.
The improvement plan and completed work must be approved by the Main Street Meridian
Design Committee before any grant commitment or payment is made. Priority is given to
projects receiving design assistance through the State and local Main Street Office.
Main Street Meridian’s Executive Director and members of the Design Committee will be
available to assist in the application process and will periodically inspect the project for
compliance.
Main Street Meridian
Façade Improvement Grant Program
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All work shall be done in conformance with the City of Meridian’s Building and Zoning Codes.
Subsequent to initial notification of grant approval and prior to commencement of any work, a
copy of appropriate approvals from Building and Zoning must be submitted to Main Street
Meridian’s Design Committee. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the project
being deemed ineligible for program assistance and no reimbursement will be made.
Work should be completed within six months of grant approval. Any extensions must be
requested from the Design Committee and approved by the Board of Directors of Main Street
Meridian.
In the event that a proposed project is not selected for funding, the applicant may re-submit the
project the following year.
Any improvements completed under the Façade Grant program shall become permanent
fixtures of the building. They may not be removed by the business owner or the building owner
in the event of the closing or sale of the business or the sale of the building without the express
written consent of the Main Street Meridian Board of Directors. This provision may not apply if
a future change is made to the building for the purpose of further renovation that will enhance
the redevelopment of downtown Meridian. This decision will be made solely at the discretion of
the Main Street Meridian Board of Directors.
REHABILITATION STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR Part 67) are used as a general
guideline. In this standard, the word Rehabilitation is defined as the process of returning a property
to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use
while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic,
architectural and cultural values. The Standards are applied to projects in a reasonable manner,
taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires
minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.
2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of
historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be
avoided.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use.
Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural
features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance
in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship
that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of
deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the
old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials.
Main Street Meridian
Façade Improvement Grant Program
7. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or
pictorial evidence.
8. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic
materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be
undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
9. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved.
If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.
10. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic
materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old
and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect
the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
11. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a
manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property
and its environment would be unimpaired
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Each applicant must submit the following:
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A completed application form
General description of the proposed work and site plan
Plans and drawings from an architect, licensed contractor, or cost estimates from a
qualified contractor or supplier as appropriate to the scope of the project
Detailed sketch of proposed work
Exact samples of paint chips, awning materials, or other materials to be used
If applicable, the property owner’s written approval
Evidence of site control - copy of lease or deed
Prior to final grant approval a written letter of approval from the Meridian Architectural
Review Board and all required city permits
ELIGIBILITY
Owners or tenants of existing commercial buildings located within the targeted downtown
revitalization area to include individuals, partnerships, or corporations may be eligible for
assistance irrespective of race, color, religion, age, national origin, or gender. The property must
be located within the designated redevelopment area and the rehabilitation must further the goals
and meets standards set forth in the rehabilitation policy. Tenants must have legally binding
permission from the owner of the property to undertake façade or exterior improvements and have
a lease.
Governmental entities are ineligible. Buildings that are used for residential purposes only are
ineligible to apply.
Main Street Meridian
Façade Improvement Grant Program
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Eligible Items included but not limited to the following:
1. Repair to building exterior facades
a. Preference is given to front facades, but rear or side facades will be considered –
particularly those that are visible to the public
2. Masonry repair
3. Cleaning of building exterior
4. Exterior painting
5. Repairing or replacing cornices, entrances, doors, windows, decorative detail, awnings
6. Sign removal, repair or replacement
7. Other repairs that may improve the aesthetic quality of the building
INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Ineligible activities include, but not limited to the following:
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Interior improvements
Roofing
Inappropriate cleaning methods, repairs, replacements, or alternations
Purchase of property
GRANT POLICY
The Main Street Meridian Design Review Committee will not use race, sex, age, or religion as
grounds for refusing or granting assistance to an eligible applicant.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
1. Application Process.
a. Application and guidelines for the program will be available at the Main Street
Meridian office at 1901 Front Street, in Union Station. Call Sharon Smith,
Executive Director at (601) 484-6841. Applications are received on a first come,
first served basis until all grant funds are expended.
b. Submit a completed facade improvement grant application along with a $40.00
application fee, drawings and plans of the building which illustrate all proposed
work, including any structural work or repair, awnings (plus a sample of the
material), signage, cost estimates, construction schedules and paint colors must
be submitted to the Main Street Meridian office for review by the Design Review
Committee.
c. The Main Street Meridian Design Review Committee will review applications for
compliance with the Main Street Design Guidelines and application requirements.
If an application is not approved for reasons other than the depletion of the grant
Main Street Meridian
Façade Improvement Grant Program
funds available for façade grants, the applicant may request a written reason for rejection
and what, if any, steps can be taken to receive approval during subsequent rounds of grant
funding. Incomplete applications will be returned unapproved to applicant as
nonresponsive.
2. Notification and Final Approval Process.
a. Applicants will receive written notification of grant approval within 45 days from
submitting a completed grant application.
b. Walk through and interview with Main Street Executive Director and members of
the Main Street Meridian Design Committee (MSMDC) for discussion of historically
important features of the building and project.
c. Applicant obtains all building and zoning approvals and/or building permits and
submits written documentation to Main Street Meridian Design Committee.
d. Main Street Meridian Board of Directors reviews completed documentation,
provides final grant approval and issues a Qualified Purpose Certificate finalizing
grant approval.
e. Applicant signs liability waiver agreement with Main Street Meridian.
f. Work commences
g. Steps 1 and 2 must be completed and all documents and certificates issued prior
to any construction activity.
3. Post Application Procedure
a. The Design Review Committee and/or Main Street Meridian Director will monitor
the progress of the project.
b. Changes in approved work specifications must be approved by the Main Street
Meridian Design Review Committee.
c. Approved changes in work verifications will be attached to the original applications
dated and signed by the Executive Director or the Design Review Committee.
d. The applicant and the Design Review Committee will conduct a final inspection
before grant payment will be made to the applicant. A Certificate of Approval will
be issued to the applicant. In order to receive payment the Certificate of Approval
must be submitted to the Main Street Meridian Board of Directors.
e. Deviations from an approved plan may disqualify the applicant from this grant
program.
PROGRAM AMENDMENTS
The details of the Facade Improvement Grant Program may be amended subject to the formal
approval of a majority of the Main Street Meridian Board of Directors.
For further information or to obtain an application, contact:
Sharon Smith, Executive Director
MAIN STREET MERIDIAN
P. O. BOX 1430
MERIDIAN, MS 39302
(601) 484-6841
EMAIL: [email protected]
MERIDIAN MAIN STREET
FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION
Applicant Name:
Street Address:
Mailing Address (if different than Street Address):
City:
Zip Code:
Contact Person:
Title:
Daytime Telephone
FAX:
Email:
Mobile Telephone (optional):
___ Building Owner &
___ Business Owner
Applicant is:
Business Owner
If applicant is not the building owner, please provide the following:
___Building Owner
Building Owner Name:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Important: If applicant is not the building owner, please include a letter from the building owner
providing endorsement and permission for the proposed façade renovations.
Has the applicant received or applied for façade grant funding in the past?
___Yes
___No
If yes, was any money awarded?
___Yes
___No
Is the second floor of the building currently occupied?
___Yes
Has any improvement costing more than $2,500 been made to the building in
the past 3 years?
___Yes
If yes, please give a brief description and approximate cost of those improvements:
Brief Description
Amount Spent
___No
How long has the current business been at this location?
How long has the present building owner owned the property?
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___No
MERIDIAN MAIN STREET
FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION
Description of Proposed Façade Work: (if additional space is needed, please attach as an additional page)
Estimated Total Cost of Project: $
(Please attach a quote from contractor, architect, or material cost estimate from supplier)
Portion of project that applicant proposes to pay $
Extra scoring points shall be awarded if applicant pays 100% of the labor portion of
the proposed project. Do you propose to pay all labor costs?
Estimated date that project will begin if grant is awarded:
Estimated completion date for project:
___Yes
___No
Check Box Below if
Included:
Application Check List
Written Cost Estimates/Quote from Contractor, Architect, or Material Cost Estimate from Supplier
Photograph of Building
Evidence of Site Control (deed or lease with property owner’s authorization)
Letter from the building owner providing endorsement and permission for the proposed façade
renovations, if applicable (see sample attached)
Letter of Approval from Architectural Review Board
Drawings, designs, plans as appropriate for scope of work
Proof of Insurance
Exact samples of paint chips or awning material to be used
All required city permits
I have read and understand the attached guidelines. I understand this is a grant program and that in order for my
request for funding to be approved, I must agree to work with and follow the written recommendations of the Main
Street Meridian Design Committee, the Board of Directors of Main Street Meridian, and Executive Director of Main
Street Meridian. I also understand that money is granted on a reimbursement basis, following completion of work and
that design changes not approved by Main Street Meridian will not be funded.
I certify that if I am a tenant of the aforementioned property that I have obtained written authorization from the property
owner to complete the project.
I certify to Main Street Meridian and the Grants Committee that all of the information contained in this application is true
and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Applicant:
Date:
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MERIDIAN MAIN STREET
FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION
Owner Authorization for Tenant to Carry Out Façade Improvement and/or
Rehabilitation Project
I, _____________________________ hereby authorize ________________ to carry out
improvements as specified in the accompanying Façade Improvement Grant Application,
on my property located at ____________________________________, which is located
within Meridian, Mississippi.
I also agree to hold harmless Main Street Meridian and its Board of Directors, Design
Committee Staff, and the City of Meridian in the event of property damage or physical
injury as a result of working on the rehabilitation/renovation activities described in the
attached application.
Property Owner
Date
Notary
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MERIDIAN MAIN STREET
FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION
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