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  • DDP Property Improvement Grants

  • The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) Property Improvement Grant programs are designed to help property owners and businesses make high-quality improvements that increase the overall value of the downtown SSMID and achieve the objectives of the 2021 Downtown Davenport Master Plan.

    Projects must be located within the boundaries of the Downtown SSMID to be eligible (see map).

    • Pre-Development Grant 

    • The goal of this grant is to accelerate Downtown property development by providing financial support during the early stages of project development. 

      Eligible Uses:

      Examples of pre-development work include:

      • Professional design work, including architecture and engineering
      • Site assessment, including environmental tests and structural assessment
      • Market studies
      • Financial modeling


      Grant Amount

      Up to $3500 per project. The request cannot be greater than 50% of the bid

    • Exterior & Structural Improvement Grant 

    • Goals of Exterior & Structural Improvement grant program:

      • Encourage good property stewardship through investment in core infrastructure and maintenace of buildings
      • Increase property investment that directly relates to improving the aesthetics of buildings and places in Downtown Davenport
      • Enhance the pedestrian experience Downtown by improving the overall beautification and visual appearance of buildings and commercial storefronts
      • Help new and existing businesses succeed by enhancing their curb appeal
      • Increase commercial property values Downtown

      Examples of eligible projects include:

      • Exterior building repairs
      • Exterior painting
      • Tuck-pointing and masonry repair
      • Window & door repair/placement
      • Storefront repair/replacement
      • Canopies & awnings
      • High-quality fencing
      • Exterior lighting
      • Outdoor planters and street furniture
      • Fees for design and permitting

      All improvements funded in part by DDP must permanently remain with the property.

      What is not eligible:

      It is not intended to fund routine building maintenance (i.e. roof replacement)

      Grant Amount:

      • Up to $20,000 per project
        • The request cannot be greater than 50% of the total qualified project costs
      • To be eligible for the full $20,000, applicants are required to utilize the services of architectural and/or engineering professional
        • If professional design documents are not included with the application, the max grant award is $15,000


      City of Davenport Design Review Board

      Plans for most exterior improvements must be reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board (DRB) prior to the start of work.

      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.

       

    • Commercial Interior Grant 

    • Goals of the Commercial Interior Improvement Grant program:

      • Encourage new businesses to open downtown locations
      • Motivate property owners to work with tenants to fill long-vacant spaces
      • Increase the total number of retail businesses downtown
      • Make existing downtown office and retail space more marketable, while raising the overall value of the downtown SSMID.

      What kind of projects are eligible?

      • Hazardous materials abatement, such as asbestos removal
      • Interior demolition and shell reconstruction
      • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
      • Permanent equipment, plumbing, mechanical, electrical & HVAC
      • Permanent lighting
      • Flooring
      • Historic restoration of interior features
      • Permanent interior walls and finishes
      • Permanent bar/counter for point of sale
      • Architectural/interior design/permitting fees related to interior improvements

      The following expenses are NOT eligible under the Commercial Interior Improvement Grant:

      • Furniture such as tables, chairs, display racks and other similar fixtures
      • Temporary or moveable cubicles or partitions to subdivide space
      • Moveable equipment, fixtures, or furnishings
      • Moving expenses, salaries, working capital, or inventory
      • In-kind work performed by the applicant
      • Artwork
      • Other items deemed by staff as narrowly tailored for a particular use and not potentially beneficial to other future users of the space

      Grant Amount

      • Up to $15,000 per project
        • Grant funding is available equaling up to 20% of owner/developer investment capped at $5 per square foot (PSF) or $15,000. 
    • Frequently Asked Questions: 

    • Who reviews the applications and makes funding decisions?

      Applications are managed by the DDP Business Retention & Recruitment Committee that meets quarterly to review submissions and make award decisions.

      Projects and committee decisions are shared with the DDP Board of Directors. The total grant funding available is determined by the approved annual DDP budget (fiscal year is July 1 - June 30).

      DDP reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals. 

      Can I be awarded more than one grant?

      It depends. Our goal is to use DDP resources efficiently, while leveraging private investment to the fullest extent possible. In most cases, DDP will advise each applicant to apply for only one DDP incentive for their project. However, DDP staff may choose to recommend approval for more than one incentive for a high-impact project or a strategically significant property.

      Please note that these grant programs are not an entitlement and not every application will be approved for funding. The approved amount of a grant may be less than the maximum, depending on DDP priorities, funding availability, and eligible project expenditures. DDP will work with each applicant to determine the best program based on scope of work and confirm the total grant amount eligibility.

      When should I apply?

      It's always best to submit an application before a project begins construction. Once you have bids and a budget for your project, you should consider applying at that time. 

      FY26 Deadlines

      • July 1, 2025
      • September 1, 2025
      • November 1, 2025
      • January 1, 2026
      • March 1, 2026
      • May 1, 2026

      Grant requests are typically reviewed, and decisions shared with applicants within 30 days of the aforementioned dates.

       

      If I receive a grant, when will I be paid?

      All DDP dollars funded as reimbursements. Successful applicants will have grant funding released when all work on the project is complete and upon providing proof of payment to consultant. 

      What are the application steps?

      • Gather bids for project and prepare a project budget
      • Fill out the application form
        • DDP staff will contact applicant if more detail is required
      • DDP staff will present the application to the DDP Business R&R Committee
      • DDP staff will contact applicants with award decision
      • If awarded, once the work is complete and contractors are paid, submit a request for reimbursement from DDP staff.

       

      Have more questions?

      Contact Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com

  • Grant Application

    Note: Incomplete grant applications will not be considered.

  • Project Details:

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  • Property Owner Info (if different than the applicant)

  • Disclaimer: 

    The DDP and its affiliates are not responsible for business consulting, planning, design, or construction of improvements to property that is owned by the applicant or any other entity. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the description of, application for, or participation in the DDP Property Improvement grant programs. The applicant is advised to consult with licensed architects, engineers, and/or building contractors before proceeding with final plans or construction.

  • Applicant's Certifcation:

    This application is made in order to induce the DDP to grant financial incentives to the applicant. The applicant hereby represents that all statements contained herein are true and correct. All information materially significant to the DDP in its consideration of the application is included. The applicant acknowledges that it has reviewed the descriptions of the DDP financial program for which it is applying and agrees to comply with those policies. 

    Please note, all information submitted to DDP will be disclosed to property owners of the project location.

    By signing this document, I acknowledge that any improvements funded in part by the Downtown Davenport Partnership must remain with the property and proper permits will be obtained for the project.

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