Facade Enhancement Grants

Eligibility

Any commercial property owner, business owner or tenant of a commercial building located within SSA #50 boundaries can apply.

 

  • The owner or tenant must request the rebate.
  • However, the tenant must submit the owner’s written permission with their application.
  • Business owner must have a valid business license.
  • Property must be free of liens, excluding any mortgage.

Examples of Eligible Products

Simple changes such as removing non-historic elements from the building, repairing old materials, or adding a fresh coat of paint to the building’s exterior signals positive change and attracts new businesses and shoppers tot he community. Some other examples of eligible projects are:

  • Repair or replace windows and/or doors with compatible materials and design.
  • Pedestrian-friendly enhancements like special paving, ramps and rails.
  • Installation or repair of awnings or canopies, and signage to the curb-side of the building.
  • Brick tuck-pointing, masonry repair and/or brick cleaning.
  • Security shutters and lighting installed to the front of the building.

Guidelines

Simple changes such as removing non-historic elements from the building, repairing old materials, or adding a fresh coat of paint to the building’s exterior signals positive change and attracts new businesses and shoppers tot he community. Some other examples of eligible projects are:

  • Repair or replace windows and/or doors with compatible materials and design.
  • Pedestrian-friendly enhancements like special paving, ramps and rails.
  • Installation or repair of awnings or canopies, and signage to the curb-side of the building.
  • Brick tuck-pointing, masonry repair and/or brick cleaning.
  • Security shutters and lighting installed to the front of the building.

Procedure for Receiving Rebate

Applications must be submitted to the Southeast Chicago Chamber before any work is performed. Applications are considered in the order they are received until all the facade funding is disbursed for the fiscal year. If the number of applications exceeds funding, a lottery will be held to determine which projects to fund, and a wait list for funding may become available.

  • Subject to some type of formal design review and approval, a pre-application consultation with the Southeast Chicago Chamber is required.
  • Commercial property owner or tenant submits a completed rebate application along with relevant supporting documents to the Chamber. The application must be complete to qualify.
  • Funded projects should be completed with the year of approval.
  • Provide proof of payment (receipts, paid invoices) for all eligible enhancements within 30 days of project completion.
  • This is a rebate program. Once the applicant has completed improvements based on specifications on the application, and if approved by the Chamber Commission, a rebate check will be disbursed.

Submitting a grant application does not guarantee that funds will be awarded.

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