Facade Improvement Grant Program

 
 

Relaunch of Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program to be Announced at June Network Breakfast!

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Kennewick's Community Development Department, is excited to announce the relaunch of the Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative, funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), aims to enhance the beauty and historic charm of Downtown Kennewick.

Important Dates:

June 3, 2024: Application Opens by 4pm

June 14, 2024: In-Person Application Information Presentation at June Network Breakfast

July 31, 2024: Application Deadline Closes at 5pm. Submit to HDKP

 
 

Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program

The Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program, administered by the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership in coordination with the City of Kennewick's Community Development Department, offers financial assistance to property owners aiming to enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings. Funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this program supports efforts to create a coordinated and attractive downtown area.

Program Highlights:

- Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 per storefront.

- Matching Requirement: Property owners must provide at least 25% of the project cost.

Eligible Improvements:

- Cleaning and painting
- New awnings, canopies, and signs
- Gutters and downspouts
- Exterior wall repairs
- Building-mounted lighting
- Door and window repairs and replacements
- Accessibility improvements

Eligibility Criteria:

- Projects must be located within the designated target area.
- Work must not begin prior to application approval.
- Applications must comply with the City of Kennewick Façade Improvement Program Underwriting Guidelines.

Application Process:

1. Request Application: Obtain the application packet from the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership office or download it [see Application Details]

2. Submit Application: Complete and submit the application packet, including detailed work plans, conceptual drawings, cost estimates, and color samples.

3. Review and Approval: The HDKP Design Committee reviews applications for compliance with design guidelines.

4. Project Commencement: Approved projects must start within 90 days and be substantially completed within 175 days of permit issuance.

Contact Information:

For more information about the Façade Improvement Grant Program, please contact:

Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership
 - Email: info@historickennewick.org
- Phone: (509) 555-1234

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The City of Kennewick and the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership are Equal Opportunity Employers. This program is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants.

Enhance the charm and appeal of Downtown Kennewick—apply for the Façade Improvement Grant today!

2024-2025 Grant Cycle Area of Eligibility: Project must be located in the target area.

Application Details

 

Application Documents

Downloadable Documents: (Links will be live once documents are in their final form)

 
 

Grant Program Timeline

  • June 3: Application Opens by 4pm.

  • June 14: In-Person Application Information Presentation at June Network Breakfast

  • July 31: Applications Due to HDKP by 5pm. 

  • August 12: Design Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations for Which Applications are to be sent up for final approval

  • August: Community Development Officer Drafts Final Application

  • Sept 25: CDBG Committee Meets

  • Nov. 19: City Council Votes on Approved Projects

  • December: Successful Applications Notified

  • May 2025: Work May Begin

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, a tenant may apply for this grant. If you are not the property owner, you must include a signed and notarized ”Letter of Authorization” with the property owner.

  • Yes, you must have been in business at the location in the application for at least 12 months.

    If the applicant is a tenant of a building, tenant must have at least three (3) years left in lease agreement.

  • No. This Program will offer a matching grant not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per storefront allocated pro rata to offset the cost of façade improvements. If funds are received, a two-year lien will be placed on the property. The property owner must provide a matching contribution of twenty-five percent (25%) (or greater) and will be responsible for all fees associated with funds granted.

    Grants funds will be distributed for the applicant upon proof of payment towards materials and/or services and approved progress inspections conducted by the City of Kennewick Building Department. Copies of all receipts and certified payrolls are required to be submitted with requests for reimbursement.

  • Grants in excess of micro-purchase thresholds (currently $2,000) will be required to adhere to the more stringent of the federal Davis Bacon and State Prevailing Wage laws. Bidding and contracting must adhere to local, state and federal regulations for procurement. For contractor Davis-Bacon wage determination information, please visit www.access.gpo.gov/davisbacon/wa.html, for state prevailing wage information visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/PrevWage.

  • What is a UEI? A UEI is a government-provided number, like a tax ID number, that's used to identify businesses eligible for federal grants, awards and contracts.