Downtown Facade Improvement Grants
Administered by the City of Sullivan and the Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development
Program Description
The Downtown Sullivan Facade Improvement Grant is a program to assist owners of commercial properties in the
downtown area, defined as Hamilton Street to the West, Jackson Street to the North, Water Street to the South
and Madison Street to the East, improve the appearance of their properties. In January 2008, the City expanded
the program so that any commercial property located within a TIF district was eligible to apply for a facade grant.
Each of the applicants outside of the historic downtown will be reviewed and approved individually by the City
Council. The facade funds have been made available through the City of Sullivan TIF and are administered by the city after
approval by the Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee. Eligible building owners can receive up to $20,000 in grant
money per building on a matching 50/50 program (grant money/property owner). Program funding may be limited
and is dispersed on a first come first serve basis.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, and have expenses reimbursed at the end of the renovation process, a person must:
1. Own a building within the defined downtown area.
2. Follow the application process as specified.
3. Have plans approved by the Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee
4. Complete the renovation process within the designated time frame, and complete all renovations as originally approved.
Allowable costs that will be reimbursed include (but are not limited to):
• Door and Window repair or replacement
• Exterior Painting or Paint Removal
• Masonry repair or replacement
• Awnings installation
• Cornice Restoration
• Sign repair or replacement
• Exterior Lighting
• Storefront refurbishment
• Removal of false fronts
• Building permits, structural engineering and detailed design if necessary
• Other labor and Materials
Design Review
All applications for proposed facade improvements will be reviewed by the Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee.
The committee reserves the right to approve or deny the proposed changes. Any work not approved as eligible by the
committee will not be reimbursed.
Plans for renovations should be in keeping with the original architectural design of the building, and should be in keeping with the historic continuity of the immediate area.
Application Process
Only completed application packages will be considered, and grants will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis, as
funds are limited. Application packets are available at the Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development Welcome Center located
at 112 W. Harrison St. and the City of Sullivan office building located at 2 W. Harrison St.
Step One
Submit completed application to Economic Development Director at 112 W. Harrison St.
Step Two
The Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee will meet to review your application and if approved initiate a meeting with the
property owner and the architect contracted and paid for by the City of Sullivan.
Step Three
Within thirty days the architect will provide a quote and basic design of the proposed work. A meeting will be held with the
Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee, the property owner(s) and the architect to review the proposal.
Step Four:
A. If approved, the notification will include all aspects of the project that qualify for reimbursement through the program.
Work must begin within 3 months of approval (unless otherwise approved by the committee), and be completed within 12 months to
be eligible. Applicant is responsible for obtaining required permits, and city inspection approval.
B. If structural issues are present, a structural engineer will be contracted to provide an estimate of the necessary work to
secure the building. The structural engineering fees will be included in the $20,000 grant match.
Completion and Reimbursement
Upon completion of the project, the following documents are required:
1. A financial summary of total project expenses
2. Copies of all invoices to be reviewed for reimbursement.
3. Waivers of lien from contractors
4. Photographs of the completed improvements
Funds will be dispersed only after verification that work has been completed in accordance with the contract. The Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee reserves the right to withhold funding in the event that work is not completed according to the approved application.
The property and/or business owner shall be responsible for maintaining the facade without alteration for a minimum of three years unless approved by the Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee.
Details
1. Money is dispersed as a matching grant on a 50/50 basis (grant funding/property owner funding) up to $20,000 per eligible building.
2. Routine maintenance work and owner provided labor will not be reimbursed.
3. Facade improvements prior to the establishment of this program are not eligible.
4. Any disagreements with the terms of the program may be submitted in writing to the Sullivan Downtown Facade Committee.
5. Property owners are encouraged to use local craftsmen. A list of local contractors and engineers is included.
6. If the property owner decides not to proceed with the final design or start the project within one year of approval of the design, property owner must reimburse the city for all architectural fees incurred.
