News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
City’s Commercial Façade program enters 4th year
Initiative generates more than $1 million in public-private investment each year(November 14, 2011) – As part of his ongoing commitment to help local businesses grow, Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the City of Fort Wayne will again make grant funding available to property owners who seek to enhance the appearance of their businesses. Grant applications will be accepted from Nov. 14 to Dec. 16, 2011.
This is the fourth year the city has made façade grants available.
“This program is making a difference; it’s strengthening neighborhoods and encouraging job growth,” Mayor Henry said. “This is a public-private partnership that works – and works well.”
The program, initiated by Mayor Tom Henry’s administration, is designed to assist business owners in making improvements to the exterior of their commercial properties. The city requires applicants to provide matching funds in order to receive the grant to make improvements. The program has been so successful that the city has seen a 5-to-1 return on its grant investment over the past three years. For example, last year, the program awarded $186,182 in grants, which led to about $1.9 million in private investments.
The program has assisted all types of businesses. Property owners have been able to revitalize business exteriors on Wells Street, Main Street, Calhoun Street, Taylor Street, Broadway and other highly travelled corridors throughout the city.
The grants helped to offset the costs of façade renovations, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing, and other enhancements.
Business owners and residents have praised the program, which helps renovate important neighborhood business corridors and strengthens neighborhoods.
This year’s program aims to focus on local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and help Fort Wayne cultivate its unique “local flavor.”
For more information on the program, go to www.cityoffortwayne.org/commerical-programs.html.
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