• Rock Island Downtown Alliance logo
  • City of Rock Island logo

  • Downtown Rock Island Pre-Development and Property Improvement Rebates

  • The Rock Island Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island's pre-development and property improvement rebate programs are designed to beautify and revitalize Downtown Rock Island; attract and retain businesses; and enhance the streetscape, character and qualities of the area.

    The Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District is a funding source to provide rebates for pre-development planning and improvements to commercial and residential properties within its boundaries. These rebate programs are administered by the Downtown Alliance, which manages Downtown Special Service Area (SSA) and TIF programs in partnership with the City of Rock Island. 

    These programs support high-quality, permanent improvements that increase property value, activate street-level storefronts and align with the goals of the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan. 

    All projects must be located within the Downtown TIF boundaries to be eligible (see map). Applicants may submit a single application for projects that include pre-development and property improvements. Downtown Alliance staff will assist in determining eligible costs and applicable rebate programs. 

    • Pre-Development Rebate 

    • The Pre-Development Rebate Program is intended to reduce early-stage financial barriers for entrepreneurs, developers and property owners considering reinvestment in downtown buildings and commercial spaces. This program supports planning, design and feasibility work that helps projects move from concept to construction.

      Eligible projects

      • Architectural or engineering studies
      • Structural assessments
      • Code analysis or feasibility studies
      • Conceptual design, renderings or test fits
      • Environmental or historical assessments
      • Professional consulting related to redevelopment planning

      Rebate amounts

      Up to a 50% rebate worth at least $500 with a maximum rebate amount not to exceed a total of $5,000.

      Deliverables & Reporting Requirement

      As a condition of funding, the applicant must provide the Downtown Alliance with a digital copy of all final deliverables produced through the Pre-Development Rebate (e.g., feasibility study, architectural concepts, renderings, cost estimates or assessment reports).

      Deliverables will be used by the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island for internal planning, rebate reporting and to better understand redevelopment opportunities within the Downtown. Ownership of the work remains with the applicant and/or the contracted professional. The Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island will not publish or distribute proprietary materials without the applicant’s consent.

      Important Notes

      • Pre-development rebates do not guarantee approval for future property improvement rebates
      • All work funded through this program must directly relate to a potential downtown reinvestment project
    • Curb Appeal Rebate 

    • The Curb Appeal Rebate Program provides incentives in the form of a rebate for physical improvements to storefronts, facades and exterior property along public way. 

      Eligible Improvements

      • Tuck-pointing and masonry repairs
      • Exterior painting
      • Awnings and signage
      • Window and door replacement
      • Exterior lighting and electrical needs
      • Landscaping
      • Parking lot repairs or re-surfacing if visible from public right of way
      • Curb and sidewalk repair and installation if visible from public right of way
      • Fencing installation and repairs (excluding chain link and wood privacy fences)
      • Sidewalk patio fencing that matches the City’s existing infrastructure
      • Roof repairs
      • ADA accessibility
      • Wall murals and public art visible from the public right of way

      Rebate Amounts

      • Signage: Up to a 50% rebate for hanging and projecting signage worth at least $500 with a maximum rebate amount not to exceed a total of $5,000.
      • Other Exterior Property Improvements: Up to a 50% rebate for eligible exterior improvements worth at least $500 with a maximum rebate amount not to exceed a total of $10,000.

      Curb Appeal Rebate Program eligibility is further defined in the section Program Eligibility & Policies. However, the rebate: 

      • Cannot be granted before the application is approved
      • Cannot be used for improvements started before the rebate is approved
      • Cannot be awarded until authorized improvements are completed in the allotted time, paid in full and all necessary documentation has been submitted to the Downtown Alliance
    • Design Guidelines 

    • These design guidelines are intended to ensure improvements administered by the Downtown Alliance and funded by the City of Rock Island will benefit the public way by improving the physical appearance and curb appeal of downtown streets and properties within the Downtown TIF boundaries. The design guidelines seek to enhance the pedestrian environment, emphasize historic building elements, reduce non-transparent facades and reinforce community identity through harmonious design while still allowing individual businesses to assert their unique presence and identity on the street.

      Awnings

      Awnings can be both a decorative and functional addition to storefronts. They can shelter customers, merchandise and storefront windows from direct sunlight and inclement weather. They also provide space for signage, welcome customers, help to visually define the width of an individual store and can contribute to business identity. Awnings should be complimentary in color, design and profile and should not cover distinctive architectural details of the building.

      Recommendations:

      • Keep it simple
      • Use minimal words and information
      • Awning material should be canvas or fabric-like, not plastic
      • Use a straight awning, not curved
      • Awning should extend at least 30 inches from the building and have at least nine feet of clearance above the public way
      • Keep sides of awnings open
      • Avoid using too much white or light colors, which can get dirty easily

      Signage

      Well-designed signs make a strong first impression and can be a creative demonstration of business character. Signs should clearly communicate the name and identity of the business in a few words without covering architectural details of the building. Signs that are simple and compatible with each other make it easier for people to locate businesses in a commercial district, while contributing to the character of the district. Creative signage design, theater-district style signage and blade signage are encouraged. Signs should be designed as a permanent storefront element with the purpose of identifying a business and what it does and should be designed for both drivers and pedestrians. Signs should not be overbearing or cluttered with excessive information or marketing/advertising messages. Signs for previous businesses must be removed as part of any improvements.

      Recommendations:

      • Remove nonfunctioning signs
      • Place flat signs above the store’s windows
      • Reuse and restore historic signs
      • Use materials consistent and compatible with those found on the building
      • The size, shape and style of signage should be similar or complement surrounding uses
      • Avoid any light box signs, flashing lights, LED displays or digital light boards
      • Neon lights will be addressed on a case-by-case basis

      Wall Murals

      Wall murals can be an attractive addition to a building and to an overall commercial neighborhood. Murals also can help establish a unique identity. If the side of a building proposed for a mural is highly visible from the public right of way such artwork may be considered an eligible improvement. Quad City Arts will be consulted on all murals, and all walls must be inspected and primed by a registered contractor prior to applying new artwork.

    • Safety Enhancement Rebate 

    • The Safety Enhancement Rebate Program is designed to provide rebates for safety enhancements to a property, business or space surrounding them. The goal of the program is to increase safety in Downtown Rock Island. 

      Rebate Amounts

      • 1:1 rebate up to $1,000 for:
        • Security cameras with recording and video storage capabilities (at least one camera must face the public right of way)
        • Exterior lighting, including motion-sensor lighting
          • Project funding includes installation of the product, not ongoing maintenance or subscription costs

      Locations of security cameras installed with assistance from the Safety Enhancement Rebate Program will be shared with the Rock Island Police Department. Rebate recipients must agree to store and share available video footage with law enforcement if the need arises.

      Safety Enhancement Rebate Program eligibility is further defined in the section Program Eligibility & Policies. However, projects that do not include a public-way component, such as security cameras only installed in the interior of a building, are ineligible to receive funds.

      Security Camera Best Practices

      Focus your search on HD video systems: You should focus your search on digital systems that provide clear Internet Protocol (IP)/high definition video. Look for this type of system with cameras that have as high of a resolution as you can find. This video clarity will help you identify important details about suspects in the event that a crime occurs.

      Choose a camera that filters glare: One of the common challenges with surveillance video is undesired glare. Sunlight, street lights, shiny surfaces and even your own business’s lights can interfere with a clear picture. Choose an IP or analog camera that filters out as much glare as possible. Also, look for infrared cameras that will reduce the glare from the headlights of surrounding traffic. By investing in this type of camera, you won’t have to alter your business’s current lighting.

      Consider a Panoramic-Style Camera: Panoramic-style cameras are ideal for businesses that need extensive coverage. This type of camera provides a wide view of corridors, entry points and other spaces. This is the ideal solution for a medium- to large-sized business that has ample space and multiple doors. If your business operates 24/7 and there is a considerable amount of property to secure, such as parking lots and various wings of buildings, you will be best served by investing in an ultra-wide dynamic range camera. This camera is ideal for producing clear night images that captures video across a large range of space.

      Placement: Another important consideration is where to place your camera(s). Be sure to install your camera as high as possible so that they aren’t able to be vandalized. When you are shopping for your surveillance system, opt for one that provides cameras that are encased within a protective enclosure, this will guard the camera from vandals as well as inclement weather.

      There are 3 general types of cameras to choose from:

      • Fixed cameras: The view is locked on to a specific area.
      • Mechanical PTZs (Pan, Tilt, Zoom): The view can be manually adjusted by an operator over great distances but the system can only record the current area viewed.
      • Panoramic cameras: The view can be manually adjusted by an operator over a small area and the system can record the entire area covered.

      *You will want to consult with local security camera installation companies to ensure what specifications and types of cameras will be best for your property.

      *Be sure to check with your insurance provider about potential security systems discounts.

    • Eligibility & Policies 

    • Rebates are awarded after work is approved by the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island, completed in the allotted time, paid in full and all necessary documentation has been submitted to the Downtown Alliance. Applications will be considred once submitted and will be awarded until all the funding is designated. All applications must meet the guidelines outlined and are subject to review and approval by the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island.

      Applicants that have begun or completed a project prior to approval from the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island are ineligible to receive rebate funds.

      Applications will be considered in the order they are received until all the Rebate Program funding is disbursed for the calendar year. Rebate awards will be based on the merit and design of the project. To maximize the number of eligible projects that receive assistance, the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island reserve the right to award a rebate at an amount less than the allowable maximum. Maximum assistance is determined by need, and the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island reserve the right to prioritize applications based on the proposed benefits to the downtown.

      Eligibility & Policies

      • Rebate requests will not be granted for improvements that were started before the application is received and approved.
      • The application must be approved by the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island before work can begin. If the applicant moves ahead with the project before receiving the approval, the applicant accepts the project will not be approved for a rebate.
      • All work shall be completed within a six (6) month period as allowed by City of Rock Island building permits. Any extension requests must be approved by the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island to remain in compliance with the terms of the rebate agreement.
      • Applicants must be the entity paying for the improvements.
      • If the applicant is a tenant or lessee, but not the owner of the property where the project is to take place, a document from the property owner authorizing the improvements to the property is required.
      • Applicants shall be in good standing with the City of Rock Island, Rock Island County, the State of Illinois and the United States Government. In good standing means the applicant is not delinquent in payment of any obligation, including taxes on unrelated properties, utility fees, fines or special assessments. To be eligible for participation in this program, applicants must submit full payment for all such items. A history of property nuisances may also be taken into consideration during the application review process.
      • Downtown Alliance Board members are eligible to participate in the rebate programs, provided they meet all other program eligibility criteria.
      • Applicants must have proof of the proper permits for the improvements, as needed, and all signage improvements must adhere to the City Sign Ordinance.
      • To the extent the owner or tenant is supplying their own materials or labor for the improvements, profits and overhead are not eligible expenditures for the rebate.
      • Applications are considered on a rolling basis July 1 through June 30. There is no guarantee funding will be available upon request of rebate.
      • If any change in ownership of the property or business participating in the rebate programs occurs during the improvements, eligibility will be suspended until a meeting with the Downtown Alliance and new ownership is completed and any changes to the original application are approved in writing. There is no guarantee new ownership will be approved for the same rebate amount as the previous owner. All such applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
      • If the same improvement project already received funding from a different grant or incentive program, it is ineligible for additional funding through these renate programs.
      • Improvements must remain with the property.
      • If the applicant is not able to fulfill the terms of the rebate agreement, the City of Rock Island may recapture all or a portion of the assistance granted.

      Application Process

      • Prospective applicants shall schedule a pre-application meeting with the Downtown Alliance to discuss their project prior to submittal.
      • The formal application process begins with the submittal of this application form, W-9 form, bids for the work to be done, photographs of the existing building and proposed project area and the proposed design or plan.
      • Applications will be evaluated by the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island and selection shall be made at the discretion of the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island within 30 days of submittal. All rebate applications are subject to the availability of budgeted funds.
      • Final approval will be in the form of a rebate agreement from the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island.

      Rebate Request and Distribution

      All improvements shall be completed as submitted in the program application. Applicants must request the rebate by submitting the following documentation to the Downtown Alliance in writing:

      • Proof of payment from the contractors/vendors involved with the project
      • Photographs showing the completed work
      • Copies of all required City permits and other deliverables outlined under the specific rebate program

      After the rebate request has been received, the Downtown Alliance and City staff will inspect the project to verify compliance with program guidelines and pre-approved plans. A rebate check will then be processed and sent to the applicant after the final inspection has taken place. 

      Have any questions?

      Contact Jack Cullen at jcullen@quadcitieschamber.com

  • Rock Island Downtown Alliance logo
  • City of Rock Island logo

  • Rebate Application

    Note: Incomplete rebate applications will not be considered.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Ownership Status*

  • Property owner information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Which rebate(s) are you applying for?

  • Project details

  • Proposed pre-development work (check all that apply)*
  • Proposed facade and exterior work (check all that apply)*
  • Will this project result in job creation and/or retention?
  • Project start date*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Estimated completion date*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Has a building permit for this project been issued by the City of Rock Island Inspection Division?*
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  • Disclaimer:

    The Rock Island Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island 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 implied or expressed by the description of, application for or participation in the Pre-Development and Property Improvement rebate programs. The applicant is advised to consult with licensed architects, engineers and/or building contractors before proceeding with final plans or construction.

    Applicant's Certification:

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

    Please note, information submitted to the Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island may be shared with the property owner of the project location for review purposes.

    The Downtown Alliance and City of Rock Island reserve the right to deny funding to any applicant based on demonstrated patterns of unsafe property conditions, unresolved code enforcement actions or failure to disclose material information relevant to project risk.

    By signing this document, I acknowledge that any improvements funded by the City of Rock Island must remain with the property and proper permits will be obtained for the project.

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