Deadline for facade grants extended to Dec. 29

By Kevin Leininger | News-Sentinel

The city says that, due to increased interest, the deadline for 2017 applications for its Commercial Façade Grant program has been extended until 5 p.m. Dec. 29. Applications and information about the program are available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/facade. Anyone with questions about the program may contact Grants Specialist Lindsey Maksim at 311 or Lindsey.Maksim@cityoffortwayne.org. Once completed, applications may be submitted in the City’s Community Development offices, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., suite 320.

The program is designed to assist business owners in making improvements to the exterior of their commercial properties. Enhancements can include new siding, architectural features, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing and more. The city requires applicants to provide a dollar-for-dollar match in order to receive the grant. Since the program began, a total of 84 projects have been completed. To be eligible, a business must be located within one of the city’s economic development target areas, which are commercial corridors that are more challenging to redevelop because of the age of the buildings.