Second year of Mayor's Commercial Facade Grants to infuse nearly $1 million of private investment into corridors

At Jamison’s Meats’ North Anthony location, which will make exterior improvements this summer, Mayor Tom Henry announced today the 13 recipients for the second annual Commercial Façade Grants. The City’s $260,000 in matching funds could result in close to $1 million of private investment throughout Fort Wayne.

“I am proud to bring the Commercial Façade Grant program back with another 13 impressive projects in all corners of our city,” Mayor Henry said. “The program is building on the success of last year’s recipients. This is a competitive process, and we have high-quality projects with great visibility. The City’s Commercial Façade Grants are an outstanding example of a partnership between the public and private sectors that helps to create and retain jobs and enhance neighborhoods.”

The program requires a minimum of a dollar-for-dollar match for exterior improvements to businesses in Economic Development Target Areas, with a total investment of $1.2 million. This year’s projects include landscaping, lighting, signage, windows and awnings. The City’s Community Development Division received 35 applications late last year for the 2010 program.

The projects, with grants ranging from $2,300 to $40,000, will be done this year. Community Development staff are evaluating the selected projects using best practices for neighborhood-friendly aesthetics plus identifying any cost efficiencies to maximize the investment.

The City will reimburse grant recipients after the work is finished.

2010 recipients:

In 2009, 26 projects received $400,000 in grants with more than $1.47 million going back into the local economy through construction and exterior improvements.