Yakima, WA – The Downtown Association of Yakima (DAY) is excited to announce that the application period for its annual Façade Improvement Grant Program is now open. The grant program, in its fifth year, is geared to spur economic development and assistant in historic preservation of the downtown district. In the previous four years, the program has assisted in the completion of seven projects that have enhanced the downtown corridor with a total grant amount totaling approximately $45,000.
The grant program is a 50/50 match with a maximum grant limit of $10,000. The grant project must pertain to the street facing exterior of the building and be visible from the right-of-way. The funds are intended for future projects – not work already completed, and priority is given to projects that have a transformational impact. “One of the main goals of the program,” says DAY Executive Director, Andrew Holt,” is to revitalize a building or take it from unremarkable to the impressive. We want this to be a difference maker.”
Both businesses and building owners can apply for the grant. More than one business in the same building can apply for funds but they must apply separately. The deadline for submitting grant applications is 5 pm, April 30th. Only completed applications will be considered.
Previously completed projects include the Thai House on North 2nd Street that substantially changed the nature of the business and has sparked two more upgrades, including a recent substantial remodel, the Lee Siemon building on Yakima Avenue which, again, transformed the façade and the experience of the building, and the restoration of the exterior wall and painting of a mural at the now thriving Crafted restaurant on North 1st.
Last year’s projects were the painting of the façade and new banners at City Place, a new mosaic sign at Yakima Federal Savings, and a front entrance remodel at MB Designs.
Holt states, “The Façade Improvement Grant Program blends almost all the elements of our mission in that it assists in economic development while at the same time improving the historic nature of our downtown. It is also a real pleasure to support business and building owners who are investing in not only their own concern, but the downtown community as a whole.”
Applications for the Façade Improvement Grant Program can be downloaded online or picked up at the DAY offices located at 14 S. 1st Street in Downtown Yakima. The Main Street Border Map is being amended so if an applicant is outside the current map, they can contact the DAY office for a possible exemption.
Contact Info:
Andrew Holt
Downtown Association of Yakima
509-571-1328
Posted April 01, 2019