Minneapolis Great Streets Improvement Grant -
Facade Improvements
The City of Minneapolis offers the Great Streets Improvement Grant as part of its efforts to support commercial corridors, business districts, and small business owners. This program aims to revitalize and beautify neighborhood business areas by providing financial assistance for facade improvements.
What is the Great Streets Facade Improvement Grant?
The Great Streets Facade Improvement Grant helps businesses and property owners improve the exterior appearance of their buildings. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Signage
- Awnings
- Exterior lighting
- Window and door replacements
- Exterior painting and cleaning
- Brick or masonry repair
- Accessibility improvements (e.g., ramps, handrails)
By enhancing the visual appeal of businesses, the program aims to attract more customers, improve the neighborhood aesthetic, and foster economic growth.
Grant Details
- Grant Amount: The program offers matching grants, meaning that the applicant must provide some of their own funds to qualify. Typically, the grant covers 50% of the project cost, up to a maximum amount determined by the program guidelines.
- Eligibility: The grant is available to property owners and tenants of commercial buildings located within designated Great Streets areas. Check the Great Streets Map to see if your property is eligible.
Steps to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Before applying, confirm that your property is located within a designated Great Streets area. Use the [Great Streets Map](https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/great-streets/neighborhood-business-district-map/) to verify your location.
- Develop Your Project Plan: Outline your desired facade improvements. Consider consulting with architects or contractors to create a detailed project plan and cost estimate.
- Find a Grant Administrator: The City partners with community-based organizations to administer the grant program. These organizations will help guide you through the application process and can offer technical assistance. Victory Neighborhood Association is one of these administers. To find a list of additional administrators click here: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/great-streets/administrator-list/.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the application form and submit it to the appropriate grant administrator. Be sure to include all required documentation, such as pictures of your project before work is completed, 2 bids, your project plan, cost estimates, and proof of property ownership or lease, and property taxes are up to date. Click here to download or print the application: Facade Improvement Grant Application. Submit completed application to info@victoryneighborhood.org.
- Approval Process: After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the grant administrator. If approved, you'll receive a grant agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.
- Complete Your Project: Once your application is approved, you can begin work on your facade improvements. Remember to keep detailed records of all expenses and follow the guidelines provided by the grant administrator.
- Request Reimbursement: After completing the project, submit your documentation to the grant administrator for reimbursement of eligible expenses.
Contact Information
For questions or assistance with your application, contact info@victoryneighborhood.org or call 612-293-7020.
Additional Resources
- City of Minneapolis Great Streets Program Overview - https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/great-streets/)
- Application Instructions & Forms (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/great-streets/apply/)
- Facade Improvement Program FAQ (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/great-streets/faq/)