TDA Façade Improvement Grant Program Application

Facade Improvement Grant Application
Program Overview
TDA's Façade Improvement Grant Program is a program for downtown businesses within the Special Improvement District to upgrade and refurbish their commercial businesses. These grants are provided to create the positive impact that façade renovations can have on the overall appearance of the business and the TDA District as a whole. This grant program provides funding of 75% of the total project cost, up to $5,000, of any work done to a building in the Special Improvement District excluding certain restrictions. All applicants must complete the following form, and provide the required documentation, in order to be considered eligible for a Façade Improvement Grant from the Trenton Downtown Association. Only completed applications will be considered for funding. Please read the eligibility and program procedures sections prior to completing the application. If you have any questions, please contact TDA at (609) 337-8439 or info@trenton-downtown.com.

Emergency Applications

Facade applications may be made on an emergency basis following criminal activity, vandalism or other accidents resulting in damage to the business or property. Emergency application approval processes are expedited. Emergency grants cover 100% of the applicant's deducticle, if filing an insurance claim, or 100% of repair costs, if made out-of-pocket. Either an insurance quote specifying the deductible amount or vendor quotes must be provided below. Police or incident reports may also be required. TDA reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any application on a case-by-case basis.

For questions, please contact TDA at (609) 337-8439 or info@trenton-downtown.com.
Eligibility
Grants are provided to any commercial or mixed use property owner or tenant within the Special Improvement District. Any improvements must adhere to the applicable zoning guidelines. Grants will be made to eligible business owners to address a combination of the following areas of a building’s exterior front:

1. Cleaning and painting;

a.) Exterior painting of previously painted surfaces
b.) Paint removal by means approved by TDA

2. New awnings and signs;
a.) New signage or the removal and replacement of outdated signage
b.) New or replacement of heavily damaged or missing awnings

3. Exterior wall repairs, including the repair, restorative installation of decorative details and other design features;
a.) Masonry repair
b.) Removal of siding and exterior false façades

4. Outdoor lighting

a.) Building-mounted façade lighting;

5. Entries, door and window repairs and replacements;
a.) Repair of windows or window framing
b.) Replacement of security gates

6. Rehabilitation or compatible reconstruction of an original storefront;
a.) Repair of original architectural detail

7. Miscellaneous façade improvements

8. Façade code violation eradication

To qualify, the applicant’s business or property must be within the Special Improvement District.
Ineligibility
The following improvements or expenses are ineligible for support from the Façade Improvement Grant Program:

1. General maintenance

2. Interior remodeling

3. Purchase of furnishings, equipment, or other property, which does not become a part of the real estate

4. Improvements made prior to grant approval

5. Roof and chimney repair (except where chimney is a significant architectural element of building exterior)

6. Professional fees

7. Applicable taxes
Application Process
1. Complete Façade Improvement Grant Application Form with following supporting documentation:
- Business Registration, Licenses
- Proposals for work from at least two vendors (local vendors preferred)
  Two (2) color photographs of the building façade before improvements are made
- If the applicant is a tenant, a letter from the property owner authorizing the tenant to proceed with the proposed improvements
- Copy of all applicable permits
- Grant award or denial letters from any and all other grant programs applicant has applied to
- Total Cost of Project
- Grant Request Amount (75% of Total Project Cost, up to $5,000)
2. Construction may begin upon receipt of a letter of approval from TDA and once all approved permits are submitted.

3. TDA will pay 50% for the initial deposit; applicant and TDA will each pay 25% to cover the remaining balance.

3. Improvements must be completed within 180 days of approval from TDA.

4. Final invoices and photos of completed improvements must be submitted at the completion of the project for the remaining 25% to be paid by TDA.
Application Form
Date of Application*

MonthDayYear
Date
Applicant Name*

First NameLast Name
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Affiliation with Downtown Trenton*

Property OwnerTenantOther
Note: Tenants must submit a letter of approval from the building owner supporting the façade improvements.
Business Name*
Business Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Business Phone*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Business Email
example@example.com
Business Type*
Business License # or EIN #*
Property Owner Name*

First NameLast Name
Property Owner Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Property Owner Phone*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Property Owner Email*
example@example.com
Describe proposed façade improvements.*
Have you applied for any other grant program?*
If yes, what program?
If yes, how much did you apply for?
Has your application been approved?
Total Project Cost:*
Requested Grant Amount: (75% of project cost, minus other grant support & up to $5,000)*
Please Note: If you have received a grant award or denial letter from another grant program, please upload it below. Applications cannot be considered unless award notifications from all other grant programs have been submitted. If you are still awaiting an award approval or denial letter, please complete this application once you have been notified.
Is this an emergency Storefront Improvement Grant application? By checking yes, you attest that your business or property has been impacted by an accident or crime that resulted in damage to your storefront and that you can provide proof of the incident.

YesNo
Do you plan to use insurance or pay the cost of repair out-of-pocket? For insurance claims, you will need to provide an insurance quote noting the deductible amount. For out-of-pocket repair, you will need to provide a quote from at least (2) vendors.

InsuranceOut-of-pocket
Uploads

Please ensure you include all necessary documentation below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Upload Before Photos here:*

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Upload Grant Approval or Denial Letter here:

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Upload Quote 1 here:*

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Upload Quote 2 here:*

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Upload Quote 3 here (optional):

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Upload Letter of Approval from Property Owner here:*

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Upload Permits here:

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Insurance Quote with Deductible (Emergency Applications only):

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Upload Additional Documents here:

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Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, please contact TDA at (609) 337-8439 or info@trenton-downtown.com.
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Facade Improvement Grant Application

Program Overview

Eligibility

Ineligibility

Application Process

Application Form

Uploads