Facade Grants

Thinking about making improvements to the front of your building?

Why not let the Springfield DDA fund part of your project?

We offer facade grants to eligible applicants in the DDA district who meet certain criteria. You can receive a matching grant of up to $5000 for facade improvements and/or signage. Applications can be incurred or proposed expenses.

Facade Grant Program

  • Used to fund aesthetic improvements to storefronts or courtyards
  • $5,000 max grant amount
  • $10,000 max per business per 3 year period
  • Applications accepted twice per year
  • Can be for proposed expenses or recently incurred improvement costs

Thinking about making improvements to the front of your building? Why not let the Springfield DDA fund part of your project? We offer facade grants to eligible applicants in the DDA district who meet certain criteria. You can receive a matching grant of up to $5000 for facade improvements and/or signage. Applications can be incurred or proposed expenses.

Facade Grant Application

Does my project Qualify for a grant?

Grants submitted to the DDA for review must meet the following qualifications:

 

  • Business and property must be up to date on all property taxes and applicable licenses.
  • Applicant must operate a business that is open to the public a minimum of 30 hours/week and/or be a building owner with a tenant that has a business in operation a minimum of 30 hours/week.
  • Applicant must demonstrate that the funded improvement will enhance the business and/or property.
  • Improvements must be cohesive the historic features of downtown buildings.
  • All improvements and signage must comply with Downtown zoning code requirements.
  • All improvements must preserve the architectural integrity of the structure.
  • Any exterior surface cleaning must not cause any undue damage.
  • All work must be completed in a “workman like manner” and completed by qualified installers.
  • Grant funds can be denied if work is of poor quality, not completed as described in application, or if work is inconsistent with the downtown design guidelines.
  • Improvements must be well maintained and remain in place for a period of at least three years.

How will my project be evaluated?

Grants offered by the Springfield DDA are competitive in nature and every applicaiton must be reviewed for compliance. To assist in determining which projects are the best fit for downtown, the Board of Directors has developed criteia that can be used to score applications:

 

Will the project provide aesthetic improvements to storefront, entrances, and/or facades?

Will the project creates landscaping that is complimentary to current city streetscape improvements?

Will there be an increases daytime employment?

Will there be an increases evening activity?

Will thre be an increases weekend foot traffic?

Is this project complimentary to city projects or initiatives?

Is the project based on a sound business plan, with income bearing uses?

Will the historical integrity of building or district be maintained?

Will there be capital investment in Downtown?

Is the the use complimentary to existing businesses in Downtown?

Does the projet provide a service not currently available to residents/businesses?

Is the project located in a Downtown focus area (Second Street to Madison Street)?

Springfield Downtown Development Authority
130 S. Laurel Street
Springfield, GA 31329
(912) 754-7617

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