Façade Program

a. Eligibility Requirements

• All grant funds must be for commercial property.

• Applicants must be current on property taxes, utility bills, and any required business licenses

• Grant funds cannot be used to correct existing code violations created or caused by existing property owners or tenants, for property damage by collision, acts of nature, or occurrences covered by insurance.

• Local governments of the towns may apply ONLY for improvements to abandoned commercial buildings with the intent of returning them to productive use.

• Work must be approved by the project’s architect and the Façade Committee designated by the county to approve applications.

• Work paid for with grant funds must begin after the grant has been approved.

• All work must comply with all relevant permits and inspections that are required.

• Only one grant will be awarded per business entity or property owner.

• The property owner must be the applicant or sign a letter approving the application.

b. Ineligible Properties:

• New construction and national franchises. governments for redevelopment

• Government-owned properties, except abandoned commercial buildings submitted by local

• Tax-exempt properties.

• Work begun or materials purchased before grant approval.

• Properties in litigation, condemnation, or receivership.

• Properties that have outstanding taxes, fees, penalties, or delinquencies with federal, state, or local governments, or not current with their business license.

• Improvement to residential spaces

c. Eligible Expenses: All applicants must work with the project’s architect to receive
recommendations for the following improvements:

• Awnings appropriate for the façade improvement and architecture

• Exterior painting consistent with other downtown buildings

• Murals that enhance downtown character and align with community standards

• Signs that are compatible with other buildings on the block

• Exterior masonry repair

• Repairs to exterior facades that face the street or corners in which one side faces the street

• Sign removal, replacement, or repair

• Repair or replacement to cornices, windows, decorative detail, doors, awnings, or window display lighting

• Exterior lighting structures and hardware on the street-facing side of the building

• Addition or modification to entryways that allow for greater access for people with disabilities

• Reconstruction of features that were part of the original structure and can be documented

• Removal of historically inappropriate elements or features

d. Ineligible Expenses: New construction projects, government properties, and national franchise properties are not eligible to participate. Other ineligible items include:

• Interior improvements

• Roofing

• Paving

• Structural improvements

• Security systems/equipment

• Loading docks

• Parking entrances

• Removal of structurally important features

Review and Funds Distribution Process:

• Applicants may submit properties for initial consideration via a Phase I Application to the project committee by: Submitting the form below, email the PDF version to the Elk River Trail Foundation at executivedirector@elkrivertrail.org or by printing the PDF version and sending via mail to Elk River Trail Foundation 107 Koontz Avenue Suite 109 Clendenin, WV 25045.

• The Façade Committee will review Phase I applications and advise the applicant if the proposal is eligible for architectural assistance.

• The applicant must meet with the project's architect to outline the scope of work and obtain the
  architect's recommendation. The architect will ensure that renovations are appropriate to the
  historic or architectural context of the area. If appropriate, the architect will provide a recommendation, conceptual sketch, scope of work, and opinion of construction costs for the suggested renovation for inclusion in the Phase II Application.

• Upon receiving the documents from the architect, the applicant may submit Phase II application and attachments by email to the Elk River Trail Foundation at executivedirector@elkrivertrail.org or by mail to Elk River Trail Foundation 107 Koontz Avenue Suite 109 Clendenin, WV 25045.

• The project committee will review the applications and approve or deny.

• The applicant will be notified of the committee’s decision and the timeline for advertising the
  project for bid. The architect will prepare permit applications, construction plans, specifications, and bidding documents; provide assistance during bidding; construction administration services; and construction inspection services.

• Projects cannot proceed until authorization to begin construction is provided by the architect.

• Applicants may receive up to $1,000 in design/architectural services to guide their renovation planning, paid for by the Foundation. Those who complete the design phase may then apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding for eligible improvements. Final award amounts will be determined by the project committee based on available funds and project scope.

• Property owners will not receive funding directly. Instead, the building owner (or local government for abandoned buildings) will contract for improvement services.

• The project’s architect will review bids and provide oversight during construction. Upon completion of work, and with approvals from both the architect and property owner, the Elk River Trail Foundation will make payments directly to the contractor or supplier upon presentation of invoices.