2026 SID Facade Improvement Grant Application

The SID Façade Improvement Grant is a competitive building improvement program where downtown business and property owners can apply for matching funds for 50% of a project, up to $2,500, within the Downtown Special Improvement District. This program is administered by the Downtown Lancaster SID, aligning with our mission to enhance Downtown's business climate while promoting and preserving our historic identity as a center for cultural activity.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first reviewed basis with the first round deadline of April 7th. If more funding remains, we will accept further applications by the first Tuesday of each month thereafter until the funds are depleted. Call the office at 740-277-6607 or email amanda@ destinationdowntownlancaster for the status of available funds before applying after April 7th.

Awardees will be announced no more than thirty (30) days after the deadline.

The Vision of The Downtown SID is a vibrant, revitalized, visually appealing downtown with historic structures that have been preserved and adapted to modern-day usage. This program is intended to assist property owners and business owners, located in the SID, on restoration of historic properties with façade improvements and design enhancements.

Ineligible projects for the façade improvement grant are new construction projects, government properties, or national franchise properties. Project funding will not be awarded for equipment purchase, promotional literature, projects that do not increase the value of a building, projects where the outcome is temporary or is owned solely by a business, and projects that do not reflect the values of quality design and historic preservation.

Reporting and Records Retention

The grantee will submit a final status report which will include a narrativeand financial expenditure as well as photographic evidence of before and after work. Funded projects will be expected to maintain supporting financial documentation of grant expenditures for three years beyond the close of the grant, sufficient to enable an audit by the State of Ohio and for monitoring by the Downtown Lancaster Special Improvement District.

Financial Reimbursement Procedures

Funded projects will be provided with the necessary paperwork for reimbursement and reporting requirements. Funds are reimbursed by submitting paperwork and reporting requirements to the Downtown Lancaster Special Improvement District.

Upon 50% of the work being completed, the grantee may request 50% of the funding.
The remaining 50% will be awarded upon completion of the project once the proper financial and photographic documentation has been submitted.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Are you a SID property owner?*

If no, is your business located in SID property?*

If yes, does your property owner approve of this application and the proposed work?*

Is the proposed project new and not yet started?*

Is this a government property or owned by a national franchise? (Government properties and national franchise are ineligible for grant funds.)*

Do you have the funds to complete this project?*

Are the property taxes and SID assessments current on the property?*

Is the proposed project for exterior improvements? Some examples of eligible projects include exterior lighting, awnings, painting, window repair, permanent signage, accessibility compliance, tuck pointing, etc.)*

Will this project increase the value of the building and add visual appeal to downtown?*

Will your project be completed no later than December 1st, 2026?*

Physical Address*

Year Built*

Please describe, upon completion of this project: (1) How the final product will be taken care of and maintained to assure long standing beautification and preservation (2) What additional resources or guidance do you need from the SID to assist in the successful navigation of your proposed project?*

Is your property in the Historic District? *

Does the project adhere to the values of quality design and historic preservation, per the guidelines of the Lancaster Historic Commission? *

Intended Project Start Date*

Intended Project Completion Date*

If this project is not funded, what plans do you have to complete it within the provided timeline?*

What is your total projected cost for this project?*

Please itemize all projected expenses:*

Total funds requested:*

Please upload images of the proposed project area below.*

Please provide at least one quote for each itemized expense and upload it here.

If no quote is available, please explain. If you would rather email or drop off physical quotes, please make a note here and submit within 24 hours of digital submission of this application, either in person or via email:

SID facade improvement grant funding is awarded as a reimbursement of up to 50% of the project funding, up to $2500. Are you able to fund this project in full, to be eligible for the reimbursement funding?*

Please describe how this project will have a positive impact on Downtown Lancaster:*

Date*

Signature*

By signing this application, as a business owner and/or a building owner, you agree that:

All appropriate permits and certificates of appropriateness will be obtained
All property taxes and SID assessments for the property are current
All documents included with this application and all information provided in this application are accurate to the utmost of your ability
The proposed project will be started and completed in the timeline provided, barring special circumstances that impede construction or other tasks required of the project. In this case, all updates to the project schedule will be shared immediately with the SID.
The proposed project, along with this application, has been reviewed and approved by both the building owner and the appropriate tenants of the building.
A final Grant report, including final invoices, project outcomes, and before/after photographs, will be submitted in a timely fashion as requested by the SID on the completion of the project.

Full Name*

First NameLast Name

2026 SID Facade Improvement Grant Application

Introduction

Application

Building Information

Project Information

Budget Information

Statement of Impact

Signature of Approval