The Façade Improvement Grant Program encourages local businesses to enhance storefronts/façades, promoting revitalization and economic development in the City of Aledo. This program aims to enhance the visual appeal of businesses, fostering a vibrant business environment in Aledo.
The program offers up to $10,000 in reimbursement for eligible improvements. It is a one-time matching grant program where private investment must equal or exceed the grant match. Incentives are payable upon successful completion of all improvements, and grants are made on an invoice-reimbursement basis only.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must complete this application and submit all requested documents.
- Must be a business currently operating at an existing location in the City of Aledo with a Certificate of Occupancy in the desinated eligible area. See eligibilty map here.
- Must provide proof of ownership or occupancy such as a lease or deed.
- If property is not owned by the tenant, the tenant must have signed lease at least (3) years prior and must provide a letter from the owner approving project.
- Must not be delinquent in paying property taxes to the City for any property owned by the Applicant/Owner. Documentation provided through the Parker County Appraisal District.
- Must not have any City liens filed against any property owned by the Applicant/Owner, including but not limited to, weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure liens, and/or paving liens.
- Must comply with zoning regulations and all necessary permits and apporvals must be obtained before construction starts.
- Must have been completed within 12 months prior to application submission.
- Must provide proof of expenditures, including invoices, bank statements, and final inspection reports.
Funding
In order to receive funds, the applicant must provide proof of expenditures for eligible improvements with supporting documentation which may include:
- Itemized invoices that differentiate eligible improvements versus other improvements;
- Cleared checks and/or bank statements;
- Expense report of full project costs demonstrating grantee committment;
- Release of liens for the work performed, if any;
- Final inspection report from City; and
- Photographs before and after showing the improvements made.
Projects will be selected based upon designs that meet the purpose and objectives of the Façade Improvement Program. Funding is limited and will be granted based on availability. The Aledo Economic Development Corporation is responsible for reviewing applications, making approval decisions, and determining the distribution amount.
Applications will be denied thirty (30) days after submission if all required documentation is not received by the City.
Definitions
Building- means, for funding purposes, a contiguous structure with shared walls, not including firewalls.
Eligible Improvements- any construction or aesthetic alteration made to the side of the building parallel to the right-of-way and improvements to the interior wall of the Façade caused as a result of improvements to the Façade, as approved by the Aledo Economic Development Corporation through the application process.
Applicant- a legal entity/party that enters into the Reimbursement Agreement with the City to receive funds from the Façade Improvement Program.
Façade- the portion of the building parallel to the right-of-way as determined by the City.
Owner- means the legal owner of the property on which the project is located.
Project- means the AEDC approved improvements to the building eligible for Façade Improvement Program funds.