The purpose of the Facade Grant Program is to provide business and non-residential property owners an economic incentive to renovate the exterior facades of the buildings in the Downtown Central Business District. The program encourages good design projects, which complement the unique historic character of the building while also introducing compatible new design.

Any owner or tenant of a building located within the Central Business District is eligible. Owners and tenants may request Facade Grants separately; however, only one grant may be awarded per property. Any tenant applying for a grant must have the owner's written permission attached to the application.

The Facade Grant Program is made possible through the Wilson Downtown Development Corporation. All participants will require a minimum investment of $1,000.

Grants will be awarded for eligible projects on a funds-available basis.

1. Projects will be awarded to those that meet the approval of the Wilson Downtown Development Corporation Board of Directors.

2. All rehabilitation design proposals must meet code requirements of the City of Wilson and the State of North Carolina.

3. All projects are for substantial building improvements, and not to be used for general maintenance.

4. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation will be used as a guideline and for recommendations when appropriate from the Design Committee in making improvements to the exterior facade of the structure, when economically and technically feasible.

5. Rehabilitation of exterior facades should reflect a contemporary solution, which respects the architectural integrity of the entire building exterior, retaining those elements that enhance the building.

6. Any exterior renovation proposal is eligible for funding but top priority will be given to projects which will make a highly visible contribution to the commercial district.

7. The WDDC will not be party in negotiations between the applicant and contractor employed by the applicant. The applicant agrees to hold the WDDC harmless of any defects in workmanship, liability, damages, or other costs relative to this project.

1. Grants are awarded for up to $2,500 for _ the project costs for work up to $5,000. Grants are awarded for an additional 10% of project costs for work of $5,001 to $80,000. No award is greater than $10,000.

2. One grant is awarded per building improvement. If a single building is divided into multiple business spaces, only one grant can be awarded for the entire project.

3. The Facade Grant Program seeks substantial exterior building improvements; therefore, a minimum investment of $1,000 will be required of all participants.

4. Grants shall not be available for general maintenance items. However, if a project includes repairs and renovations that improve the entire exterior façade of the building, grants will be considered.

5. Façade improvements can consist of:
Removal of previously attached façade, along with cosmetic improvements to restore original architectural design of building
New paint design to accentuate and visually improve look of building façade. Repainting existing paint design is a maintenance function is not eligible for a façade grant.
Addition of awnings and other façade enhancements can be considered only when part of an overall improvement of a building's façade.

6. Grants for façade improvements that omit an over-all façade improvement plan will not be considered. However, an overall design plan is strongly encouraged for greater consideration of grant awards.

7. The WDDC Board of Directors must approve the application. Failure to comply with approved plans could result in the loss of grant funding.

8. All work must be completed in a good workmanship manner. The applicant will not be eligible for grant funds unless a competent professional does the work.

9. All work must be started within 45 days of the notification of the grant approval and completed within six months.

1. Applicant is provided with an application form from the WDDC office if the project is located in the downtown area.

2. Applicant completes application and includes a current photograph of the building, design plans, sketches and/or detailed description of proposed renovations and owner's written permission (if necessary).

3. The application is reviewed by the Design Committee and is recommended to the WDDC Board of Directors for final approval. The Design Committee may recommend to the Board of Directors mandatory conditions, however, the Board of Directors is not required to follow the Design Committees recommendations. Applicant may attend the Design Committee meeting to discuss the proposed project, if necessary.

4. Projected date of completion must be included on the application. Project must be started within 45 days of the notification of the grant approval and must be completed within six months.

5. Failure to complete the project by this date without an approved extension could result in loss of funding. The Design Committee, prior to the original projected date of completion, must approve any extensions of completion date. In no event shall any grants be extended beyond 12 months of initial approval.

6. The Design Committee must review any deviation from the approved plans before being undertaken. The Design Committee reserves the right to deny payment if completed work is inconsistent with the contents of the original application.

7. A notification letter will be sent to the applicant as to whether the project has been accepted, accepted with conditions, or rejected. Every effort will be made to work with the applicant in preparing eligible projects.

8. Once the project is completed in accordance with the approved plans, paid invoices and cancelled checks are to be provided to the WDDC office.

9. Once the entire completed project is inspected and approved by City, County and State Agencies, if applicable, and a Certificate of Occupancy is granted, if applicable, the Design Committee will inspect the work completed and request that a check be issued for _ the actual project costs of work up to $5,000 and an additional 10% for project costs of $5,001 to $80,000 provided the work is accomplished in accordance with the agreement. No grant will exceed $10,000.