Facade Program

The Downtown Midland Business Improvement Area (BIA) is pleased to provide the façade program to stimulate improvements to the exterior of downtown buildings and beautify our downtown area. The program offers a grant that will cover 50% of the total cost of a project, up to a maximum cost of $5,000. The purpose is to assist downtown business owners and tenants with the financing of customer-oriented building façade improvements.

Background Information

The façade program offers the opportunity for business owners and tenants, together with property owners, to bring their front and rear façades (customer entrances or highly visible areas) up to a standard set forth and approved by the BIA. Improvements requested by a property owner will be considered, and with BIA approval, the property owner will receive a grant. Applicants must match the grant amounts dollar for dollar.

Eligible Work

Repainting or re-facing of façades
Repainting or re-facing of façades
Repair or restoration of façade masonry, brickwork or wood
Replacement, repair or restoration of cornices, eaves, parapets and other architectural
features
Replacement or repair of windows or doors
Entranceway modifications that improve the appearance and/or access to the
commercial units
Redesign and reconstruction of the storefront
Installation of appropriate new signage or improvements to existing signage
Installation or repair of canopies and awnings
Installation or repair of exterior lighting

How it works

The program is a 2-way split:
50% - Property owner and/or Business owner
50% - Downtown Midland BIA

Business owners and/or tenants of a structure located within the BIA area may apply for the façade program. All eligible improvements must have a beautification element. Cosmetic improvements include awnings, signs, lighting, facades, windows, and doors. Improvements exclude structural repairs unless these repairs provide a clear beautification improvement.

All applications must be accompanied by 2 justifiable quotes in writing from a reputable supplier/contractor and a rendering of the work to be completed.

$25,000 of BIA funds are available in 2024 for approved projects. As a result, the BIA has the potential to realize $50,000 in improvements to our downtown this year.

Funding is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to urgently needed improvements.

All improvements must be per criteria laid out by the BIA. Enhancements beyond those laid out by the program will not be considered for funding.

Minimum project funding will be in the amount of $500 per building.

Maximum project funding will be in the amount of $5,000 per building.

Application and funding must be approved, in writing, by the BIA before the work is commenced.

All projects must be approved by the property owner in writing.

Funding for the continuation of the façade program in subsequent years is uncertain.

Buildings which received funding will be ineligible to submit new applications within 3 years of the first application submission.

Buildings which benefited from funding in previous years will be considered after all other applications have been reviewed.

Any work being done by the building or business owner will be subject to consideration of material reimbursement. Example: 50% of paint cost.

Deadlines

All applications for the program are to be submitted by September 3rd, 2024. Failure to commence work before December 31st of the same year will result in an immediate forfeit of project funding.

Reimbursement

Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of the work undertaken and on presentation of paid final invoice(s). Payment will be 50% of the best quote regardless of which contractor is chosen, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5,000 per building.

The Downtown Midland Business Improvement Area is delighted to initiate this program!