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Commission adopts downtown facade grant program offering matching reimbursement up to $5,000 per building
Summary
The Linton Rebuild the Commission approved a facade grant program to reimburse eligible exterior building improvements up to $5,000 per building, with an initial $50,000 allocation and a roughly two‑meeting review timeline for applications.
The Linton Rebuild the Commission approved a downtown facade grant program at its Feb. 23 meeting that will offer matching reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per building to help restore and improve commercial storefronts.
The program, explained by the Chair during the meeting, is intended to “enhance the visual appearance of downtown commercial corridors, supporting historic preservation efforts, encourage private sector investment in existing buildings, increase activation of downtown buildings and improve business relations, stimulate the vitality, and promote pedestrian friendly walkable commercial districts.” The commission listed eligible work to include brick and masonry restoration, exterior painting, window and door restoration or replacement, awnings and cornices, architectural accents, exterior lighting improvements, ADA accessibility work and signage improvements.
Buddy, the commission treasurer, presented financial figures and said the commission had received its final installment late last year and provided a full‑year summary for members to review. The commission said it initially allocated $50,000 for the program; members discussed that the panel could allocate more in the future but gave no guarantee of additional funding.
Members also discussed process and outreach. The commission agreed applications would be reimbursement grants paid after completion of approved work, and proposed a review timeline intended to allow up to 60 days between application and a final decision — roughly two meeting cycles — though members said they expected most reviews to be completed sooner. Emma offered to convert the application to an online form for posting on the city website; the commission discussed a press release and an email distribution list to publicize the program, and Claudia proposed a logo to maintain consistent city branding on materials.
The motion to adopt the program was made by Emma and seconded by the Nonvoting member; the Chair called for a voice vote and the measure passed. The commission directed staff to post the application and begin outreach to downtown businesses.
Next steps: the commission will publish the application on the city site, distribute the press release, and accept applications for review under the approved timeline.
