Commission awards facade grants

By Dennis Nartker | KPC Media 

KENDALLVILLE — Facade grants for building improvements were awarded to two downtown businesses by the Redevelopment Commission Wednesday morning.

Commissioners voted to award the owner of Kropp Insurance, 217 S. Main St., a grant for $2,133 to replace window sills, rotted window frames and glass on the front of the building.

The total cost of the project is $4,266. The facade grant pays for 50 percent of the cost.

Wiseman Appliance Services, owner of a building at 109 S. Main St., was awarded a grant for $3,375 to replace the north brick wall of the building. The total cost for the project is $6,750.

Facade grants are awarded for improvements to the exterior of downtown buildings and roofs within the downtown tax increment financing district.

Each year, the RDC allocates $60,000 to its facade grant program to encourage business owners to maintain and improve their buildings. Applicants can receive a maximum of $15,000 that represents half the total cost. At least three quotes from contractors for the work must be submitted to the RDC, with the grant applied to the lowest and best quote.

Facade grant applications are available at the mayor’s office in City Hall.