WHAT WE OFFER
Commercial Façade Improvement Program
The Façade Improvement Program for the Mt. Sterling Uptown Business District is designed to stimulate downtown investment, maintain and expand the economic contribution of the Uptown district, preserve the historical character of Uptown buildings, and initiate aesthetic improvements.
The program provides financial incentives and design assistance to property and business owners to be matched by their equal or greater investment of private funds for the purpose of restoring/renovating commercial storefronts and replacing deteriorated or poor quality commercial signs and awnings.
Program Objectives
- Encourage private investment in the visual improvement of storefronts, signs, and awnings
- Enhance the appearance of the streetscape
- Reduce vacancies in storefronts and upper floors
- Expand worker and shopper population in the Uptown District
- Strengthen or restore the original character of historic buildings
- Provide a catalyst for others to improve their buildings
Eligibility Requirements
- Be located within program boundaries as shown in red on the diagram below. Facades facing Main and Capitol Streets will be given priority for approval.
- Buildings outside of the program boundaries will be considered if all of the following conditions exist:
- Business is a retail establishment located within one block of the geographic boundaries,
- Business is visible from Main Street, and
- Business is in keeping with the values of the Tracy Family Foundation, funder of the Façade Improvement Grant Program.
- If the applicant is not the owner of the building, written consent detailing the intended improvements must be obtained from the legal owner and submitted with the application.
- For sign and awning projects, tenant must have at least five years remaining in lease at location of proposed project and/or option to renew for at least five years.
- Building projects must be designed by a qualified design professional and signs must be produced by a professional sign maker.
- The project applicant must owe no outstanding property taxes, fees, judgments, or liens to the City of Mt. Sterling and have no outstanding code violations.
- All work performed on the recipient’s building must comply with Mt. Sterling ordinances, codes, and regulations. It is the sole responsibility of the recipient to obtain any and all zoning clearances, variances, permits, and approvals before work commences.
- Projects must comply with the Development and Design Guidelines in the Mt. Sterling, Illinois Uptown Long-Range Strategic Plan and Redevelopment Blueprint dated November 1, 2011 and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings (Appendix E).
Program Boundaries
For additional information about incentives and the application process, download the Façade Improvement Program Guide and Application
Residential Façade Improvement Program
The Residential Façade Improvement Program helps homeowners enhance the exterior appearance of their homes while supporting neighborhood beautification and community pride.
The program provides financial assistance to encourage investment in residential properties and maintain the charm and character of our community.
Program Objectives
- Improve the visual appearance of residential properties to create attractive, well-maintained neighborhoods.
- Motivate homeowners to reinvest in their properties through financial incentives and support.
- Maintain and highlight the unique architectural features and historical charm of local neighborhoods.
- Foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents by improving the look and feel of their homes and surroundings.
- Stimulate demand for local contractors, suppliers, and service providers through home improvement projects.
- Encourage quality improvements that enhance energy efficiency, durability, and overall property value.
Eligibility Requirements
- Program will fund up to 90% of exterior housing improvement projects with a maximum grant of $15,000 per residential structure.
- Qualifying residential structures must be single-family owner-occupied residences that are at least 15 years old.
- Mobile and modular homes must rest on concrete slabs and the homeowner must own the lot.
- Homeowners are required to fund their housing improvement project and will receive grant funds as reimbursement after the project is complete.
- Applicants must be current on all personal and property taxes, fees, mortgage payments, and homeowner’s insurance premiums.
- The residential structure cannot have any building code violations that will not be remediated by the MRFP.
- Proposed projects will be evaluated based on their expected contribution towards the MRFP’s objectives to improve the “curb appeal” of our community.
- MRFP eligible projects include general exterior improvements, painting, siding, roofing, windows, doors, and porches.
- The program will not fund chain-link fencing, landscaping, interior improvements, projects already in progress, mechanical and HVAC systems, murals or artwork, security systems, or construction of new structures or additions.
- Successful applicants will have 365 days from the date of their notice to complete their project.