The Façade Improvement Project offers up to $10,000 in matching funds for façade improvements. Building and/or business owners can apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of their improvement project. However, the program requires at least a dollar-for-dollar match by the applicant, noting the minimum grant contribution is $500, and the maximum grant contribution is $10,000. At the discretion of the EFR Board, grant amounts greater than the $10,000 limit may be approved on a case-by-case basis considering the proposed project: availability of funding, and anticipated applications for the remainder of the grant period. Work completed prior to a letter of commitment is not eligible for funding. The goal of the project is to encourage building renovation, historic preservation, and improved economic vitality by providing funding to upgrade East Frederick building facades.
The Façade Improvement Project is administered jointly by the East Frederick Rising Board with assistance from staff from Downtown Frederick Partnership. Downtown Frederick Partnership administers a similar façade improvement program to for those businesses who want to improve the physical appearance of Downtown Frederick, and their experience with the program is welcomed and appreciated as the East Frederick Façade Improvement Project commences. The Façade Improvement Project is funded by the State of Maryland’s Community Legacy Program, through the City of Frederick.
Improvements to the street facing façade(s) of the building are eligible for funding. For the purposes of this grant,
requests for façade grants for building frontages that face onto Carroll Creek will be accepted.
Eligible projects include but are not limited to the following list:
Any building owner or store owner/building tenant with authorization from the property owner can apply for funding. The primary focus of the project area is generally in the vicinity of East Street between South and Thirteenth Streets, eastward to Monocacy Boulevard from South Street to Church Street. Additional commercial locations will be considered as long as they are within East Frederick Rising and the Sustainable Community designated boundary. Contact the East Frederick Rising Board to learn if your property is eligible. According to the State of Maryland’s requirements for funding, the Program cannot provide assistance to certain uses/businesses and cannot fund improvements to residential properties.
Work selected for a matching grant must be completed within six (6) months. The six-month time period will begin
after the acquisition of any necessary approvals and/or permits. Project applicants have a total of six months to
complete any City approval processes. Depending on the scope of the project, extensions may be requested.
The applicant is responsible for obtaining all building permits and any other required City approvals for the work to be done. The applicant is responsible for conformance with all applicable safety standards and conditions. The applicant also agrees to maintain the property and the improvements. East Frederick Rising may promote an approved project including, but not limited to, displaying East Frederick Rising signage at the site, during and after construction and using photographs and descriptions of the project in the East Frederick Rising’s materials.
Grant funds are issued on a reimbursement basis and cannot be issued until the project has been completed. Before a check is cut, applicants will need to submit proof of payment for completed work (canceled checks or credit card statements) and an EFR Board member or Downtown Partnership staff must review the completed project to determine that the work performed is consistent with the work approved. Once the work is approved, the EFR Board will process a reimbursement check.
If you would like to apply, send an email to heather.goddard@eastfrederickrising.com and we will be happy to assist.
