The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) created this Storefront Signage Improvement Grant program to encourage building owners and/or tenants to invest in creative signage enhancements.
Projects must be located within the boundaries of the Downtown SSMID to be eligible (see map).
What we are trying to accomplish:
- Enhance the overall appearance and image of Downtown Davenport while supporting downtown businesses.
- Enhance the pedestrian experience Downtown by encouraging creative business signage to identify and brand the businesses in the SSMID.
Grant Amount
- Applicants can request a matching grant up to $1,000 to help cover costs towards sign design, creation, and installation costs.
- The request cannot exceed 50% of the bid
Signage projects must be approved by the City Design Review Board.
About the City Design Review Board
The Design Review Board is a citizen board created in 2007 whose members are appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by City Council. The Downtown Design Overlay District was created to improve the quality of development and the visual appeal of Downtown Davenport.
All exterior construction within the Overlay District is reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board. This would include the construction of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, façade renovations, parking enhancements, landscaping, demolitions and other substantial external changes visible from the public right-of-way. Matt Werderitch, Planner, Development & Neighborhood Services, can help explain the Design Standards or answer questions about how the Design Review Board approaches petitions for approval.
Matt can be contacted at (563) 888-2221 or at Matt.Werderitch@davenportiowa.com. Additional information about the Design Review process can be found on the City of Davenport’s website.
Review Process
Applications are managed by the Downtown Davenport Partnership staff. Projects and decisions will be shared with the DDP Board of Directors. The total grant funding available is determined by the annual DDP budget (fiscal year is July 1 – June 30). Incomplete grant applications will not be considered.
DDP reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals.
FY24 Deadlines
There are no strict deadlines for this pilot program. Grant applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded as funding is available.
Application Steps
- Submit your initial project idea
- Send DDP some basic info about your plans for new signage
- Prepare a project budget and design plans
- Submit your final application to DDP using the form below
- DDP staff will review the budget and present the application to the DDP Business R&R Committee
- Apply for Design Review Board (DRB) Approval
- Every project that receives DDP incentives must be approved by the DRB for architectural, historical, and contextual compatibility based on the Downtown Davenport Design Guidelines
- DRB approval can happen concurrently with, before, or immediately following DDP review and approval
- DDP staff will contact applicants with award decision
- Begin work!
- Once your application is approved DRB, you can start work
Please note that an approved signage grant may be canceled if your project has not been completed within one year of the date it was approved
- If projects are incomplete after one year, a written request must be submitted to DDP staff in writing and the continuation of holding funds will be at the discretion of DDP.
- Once the project is complete and vendors are paid, contact DDP staff to get reimbursed.