Design changes that take place at commercial properties are a critical part of any successful revitalization strategy. Customers want to shop in an attractive and inviting environment, not in one that is poorly designed or maintained. Property owners want to generate adequate rents from their commercial properties, while lessees want to have pride in their place of business. Downtown Middletown, Inc wishes to maintain and improve the quality of life for its citizens by fostering economically viable commercial districts.

In order to reach this goal, Downtown Middletown, Inc in collaboration with the City of Middletown, has established a Façade Improvement Program. The program will be administered by the Design Committee of Downtown Middletown, Inc., and will offer technical and financial assistance to active commercial property owners seeking to renovate or restore the exterior of their buildings.

The Downtown Middletown Inc. in collaboration with the City of Middletown, provides matching grant money to be awarded to potential commercial projects in the Downtown Area (map attached) pursuant to the façade improvement program. Funding for approved façade projects will be paid through a reimbursement process. A minimum 1:1 financial match is required. Only after an approved project has been completed and the work paid in full will the applicant be reimbursed for up to $2,500 of that amount.

How much an applicant is awarded is determined by the number of grant applications received and how the project scores within the set criteria. Grant assistance is limited by the amount available to Downtown Middletown, Inc., and an applicant may apply for only one grant annually per building.

Applications will be ranked and selected based on a clear and documented set of evaluative criteria.

Depending on the number of applications, DMI may assign “waiting list” status to projects that qualify for selection but do not rank as high as other applications selected for funding.

The evaluative criteria and their respective weights are as follows:

 Impact (40%): – Overall impact of the project on the Downtown Business District. Are inappropriate design elements removed? Will the project eliminate what was previously a liability for the commercial district? Does the project seek to restore the historical or architectural significance of the building? Does the project fall into a priority-funding category? Is the project in a highly visible location that has a significant impact on surrounding properties?

 Financial Leverage (10%): –Projects that leverage more private investment will be graded higher than those seeking just the grant funding.

 Sustainability/Permanence (30%): – How permanent are the improvements (signs are more changeable than new glazing, for example) and is there a maintenance plan for improvements? Does the business own the building? If not, how much time remains on the lease?

 Community Contribution (20%): – Is the applicant a good neighbor? Is the area around the business kept clean and free of debris on a consistent basis? Does the business participate in organized Downtown Middletown, Inc. promotions or other community-based activities? Does the applicant actively promote downtown Middletown and their own business?

1. Downtown Middletown, Inc. will announce an upcoming round of funding in the local newspaper, online, and the DMI website.

2. Applicant obtains an application for a Façade Grant from the Downtown Middletown Inc. office located at 1050 Central Avenue or by downloading it at www.downtownmiddletown.org.

3. All signs and most exterior improvements in the Downtown Area must a Certificate of Appropriateness, or be pending, or have submitted an application for Historic Commission review and approval at the time of submitting to DMI for grant funding. The deadline for this Façade Grant will allow for each applicant to participate in a review by this Commission. For more information on the Historic Commission’s meetings and on the standards used please contact the City of Middletown’s Department of Community and Economic Development (513-425-7950). Applicants are required to complete the Façade Grant Application Google form that is located on the Downtown Middletown Inc. website – WWW.DOWNTOWNMIDDLETOWN.ORG .

4. Applicant mails an application postmarked on or before the deadline or delivers an application, along with color photographs that show existing building conditions, detailed sketches or drawings of the proposed improvements (including placement, color, dimensions and materials), two separate bids from two separate contractors on their letterhead and any other additional information that may be considered during the review process. Mailing and Delivery Address: 1050 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio 45042.

5. Downtown Middletown, Inc. will review all applications and determine which projects will be funded and what amounts each will receive. Applications will be scored based on the set criteria which includes impact to the downtown business district and other factors. Projects that score higher are more likely to receive funding. Projects that do not score as high may not be funded or may be funded at a lesser amount.

6. Downtown Middletown, Inc. will notify each recipient of the results by mail within 60 days after the grant submission deadline. The successful applicant will need to sign a contract with Downtown Middletown Inc. before work may begin and within 30 days of being notified of the grant award.

7. When Downtown Middletown, Inc. has received the signed contract the applicant may begin their work. (Applicant must start the work within three months of being notified of their grant status and work must be completed within twelve months from the start of construction.)

8. Once the project begins, a Façade Improvement Program sign will be placed at project location for the length of the project. (This will be provided)

9. A representative of Downtown Middletown, Inc. may conduct site inspections. Any minor changes in the approved work must have prior written approval of Downtown Middletown Inc. and potentially the

Historic Commission of the City of Middletown.

10. Applicant must submit copies of cost documentation (invoices, etc.) along with copies of all cleared checks to Downtown Middletown, Inc. for reimbursement.

ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

 Removal of materials which cover original architectural details

 Repair and/or replacement of original architectural details

 Replacement of original architectural details

 Window repair or replacement including window framing (must match original in size, style and scale)

 Repainting and repair of facade

 Exterior lighting

 Installation of awnings,

 Restoration of original like storefronts,

 Replacement of colored or tinted glass with clear glass

 Up to 25% of the grant award can used for professional design services

 Other improvements can be made if they meet the objectives of the program and have prior written approval of Downtown Middletown, Inc.

 Buildings located in Historic District, proposed improvements must be in line with the Secretary of Interior Standards

IMPROVEMENTS MADE PRIOR TO GRANT APPROVAL

 Roofing, gutters and downspouts

 Interior improvements

 Removal of architecturally important features

 New construction and additions

 Sweat equity (payments for applicant’s own labor)

 Planting or landscaping

 Residential properties, excluding mixed use developments