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The City of Litchfield has established the facade grant program to aid in the revitalization of the downtown area. The Program is available for properties located in the downtown redevelopment study area and within the TIF District and must be in good standing with the City of Litchfield. The City has earmarked funding for this Program from the TIF funds. Once allocated resources are depleted, no additional grants may be made under this program without the direct action of the City Council. The City holds authorization of all Program funds and is not required to make awards to individual applicants. The Facade Grant Funds are offered in combination with matching funds.
Guidelines for Grants
The grants are subject to availability of funds appropriated to the program. In-kind services, meaning services completed by the property owner, cannot be used to meet the 50% match. All quotes for the projects must itemize labor and materials separately; itemized receipts for materials must also be turned in with the paid invoice. Projects are expected to be completed within 180 days following City Council approval unless approved by the City. Any contractor involved with the project must carry liability insurance and workman's compensation coverage to be eligible for award funds and provide a certificate of insurance to the City.
Applicants may receive no more than two grants per year. Each property may receive only one grant per year. Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis. When projects have equal merit, priority will be given to first time applicants. Evaluation will include the applicant's impact on the overall downtown redevelopment area. The project site must be inspected by a City official before beginning the work and upon completion of the project. Applicants for Emergency roof grant must include a copy of a roof inspection report stating current condition of the roof structure and covering by a licensed roofing installer along with a copy of their State of Illinois roofing license. Approved grants will be awarded on a reimbursement basis only after applicants have completed the project and have demonstrated full compliance with grant requirements. Any project that meets only partial compliance of the guidelines will not be approved. Any approved project that violates the guidelines after completion of said project, may be disqualified from receiving future grants for additional projects. You may not request or receive Facade Grant program funds for the same property within one fiscal year. If the property is sold, ceases operations or changes hands within a 24-month period from receiving the grant funds, the total amount of the grant funds received must be reimbursed to the City of Litchfield within 60 days of notification. The grant cycle is based upon the City of Litchfield fiscal year, which is May 1st through April 30th, of each year. The final award of funding will be approved by the Litchfield City Council. The City Council generally meets the first and third Thursday of each month, with the Façade Grant Committee meeting prior to the placement of the application on the City Council Agenda.
Applications will begin the review process only when complete with all required information. Please submit the complete application, including:
Completed application form
Detailed drawings of the building facade/sign, including information which will assist in understanding the scope of the project, such as:
At least two (2) independent quotes from qualified contractors on the cost of completing the proposed work. Contractors must carry liability insurance and have workman's compensation coverage and provide certificate.
Labor and materials MUST be itemized separately. Prevailing wage must be paid for any project supported by a Façade Grant.
Please indicate which contractor you are likely to have perform the work and why. Use of local contractors is encouraged when possible.
Return To: City of Litchfield Economic Development Office 120 E. Ryder St.Litchfield, IL 62056Email: tflannery@cityoflitchfieldil.com Ph: (217) 324-8151Fax: (217) 324-5619
The undersigned applicant agrees to comply with the guidelines and procedures of the Façade Grant Program.
(to be completed if an agent/tenant is used to represent the owner)
The Facade Grant Program encourages the renovation of existing structures that recreate the original facade. Award will only be granted to projects that meet the eligibility requirements and that restore as close as possible the original image of the property. Projects will be awarded on a competitive basis. In a situation where projects have equal merit, priority is given to first time applicants. All projects must meet local building codes and be approved through the Building Department by submitting plans and obtaining a building permit when necessary. The project site must be inspected before the work begins; for this reason, applications must be received before the project is started. There are no exceptions.
Depending on the project, inspections may take place throughout the duration of the project; a final inspection will take place once the project is complete. If the applicant wishes to begin the project before final City Council approval, it will be at their own risk.
The guidelines are for general use to preserve the historical integrity of the downtown. Meeting the guidelines does not indicate approval of grant. Each grant will be considered, but the Program is competitive among all applicants. Applications will not be reviewed by the Facade Grant Committee unless complete with all required information. Projects with partial compliance with guidelines will not be approved.
You may not request or receive Facade Grant Program funds for the same property within one fiscal year. If the property is sold, ceases operations or changes hands within a 24-month period from receiving the grant funds, the total amount of the grant funds received must be reimbursed to the City of Litchfield within 60 days of notification.
Whenever possible in designing a storefront, existing materials should be used; repairing rather than replacing. The following guidelines are appropriate for downtown facade improvements.1. Storefront Frame - wood, cast iron, anodized aluminum or brick.2. Display Windows - clear glass3. Entrance - wood, aluminum or steel4. Sidewalls - wood panels, polished stone, glass, tile or brick5. Storefronts Cornice - wood, cast iron, stone or formed concrete
**Certain materials should never be used on the traditional commercial buildings where they have no relationship to the original design themes and, therefore, violate the consistency of the building's appearance. Such inappropriate materials may include cultured stone, rough textured wood siding, wooden shingles, vinyl or metal siding (typical of residential construction materials) and gravel or stucco materials (synthetic material that has a stone or brick look, is an eligible material but not encouraged.)
In most instances, customers do not enter in the rear of downtown businesses. However, if rear parking is available or if the rear of the facility is visible by the public, the upkeep and maintenance of the rear facade becomes extremely important.
1. Rear Entryways - Entrances should be compatible with surrounding buildings. A small sign should be included in the design as to designate the business. An awning should be considered with rear entrances to aid customers in inclement weather.2. Enclosed Dumpsters/Loading Areas - Every attempt should be made to make attractive the normal service equipment such as trash dumpster and loading areas. A gate closure system should be in place for the aesthetics as well as safety of the public. The structure shall be no more than six feet in height and create a visual barrier. The enclosed area should be constructed with brick, wood or vinyl fencing.
Every attempt should be made to preserve and retain each window, its function and any decorative details still remaining such as etching or beveled glass. Effort should be made to match original windows. Windows may not be permanently filled or closed in. With committee approval, windows may be increased or decreased in size up to 20% of current size. Clear/etched or stained glass is preferred.
The entry into a storefront often can be the focus on the facade. Maintaining a traditional entry door(s) can contribute to the overall character of the façade. Every effort should be made to maintain or repair the original door.
Weathering of masonry also involves the mortar joints. If cleaning takes place, new mortar joints should be included in the project. The new mortar should be filled and finished to match the depth and style intended in the original work. Mortar should be pigmented to match any existing color.
Lights may not move or flash.
Definition: Emergency Roofing means work necessary to prevent immediate destruction or dilapidation to real property or structural fixtures therefore rapidly threatening the structural integrity. 1. Accepted roofing materials for up to $10,000.00 reimbursement:
These are required to be installed by a certified, licensed roofing contractor to receive 50%, up to $10,000.00 grant share.
2. Accepted roof coating for up to $5,000.00 reimbursement:
*No Patch Work will be allowed for grant funding.
**All quotes and types of materials to be used must be approved by city prior to start of project.
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