To download an application form for a Facade Improvement Grant, click here.

Purpose

The Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corporation recognizes the positive impact that individual facade improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality and vitality of the Village's commercial districts. Quality facade renovations improve the attractiveness of our commercial areas to patrons, directly affecting the value and viability of our business community. The Glen Ellyn EDC makes grant money available with the intent of accelerating exterior improvement projects in our commercial districts. Through this program, the EDC is reinvesting tax dollars into commercial infrastructure for the benefit of Glen Ellyn businesses and residents.

The EDC Board reserves the sole right to amend, modify, add, or delete any part or subpart of this program.

Assistance Available

Approved projects are eligible to receive reimbursement after project completion in the form of a matching grant of up to 50 percent of the actual improvement costs up to a maximum of $10,000.

Eligible Properties

Existing structures currently zoned commercial and in current commercial use or planned for commercial use within the corporate limits of the Village of Glen Ellyn.

The exterior of the property must meet all Village of Glen Ellyn Building Codes.  In the event that a violation is present, correction of the violation must be made prior to disbursement of EDC assistance.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business. 

Property Owner Consent:  All applications must be signed by the property owner to indicate consent for the proposed improvements. 

Financial assistance is available to property owners as applicants on a one-time basis per building including buildings with multiple occupancy.  Individual tenants of multiple-occupancy buildings may apply for improvements affecting their leased space only.

Eligible Improvements

The primary goal of the EDC Facade Improvement Grant Program is to achieve significant visual improvements in commercial facade appearance.  Projects that most meet the primary goal will best satisfy the eligibility test.  The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is left to the discretion of the EDC Board.

Work which qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of the building which are visible from the public right-of-way. 

Applicants must plan to install at least $1,000 of improvements to qualify.

The list of qualifying improvements appears below.  Individually, any one of these improvements may or may not be sufficient for assistance and will be evaluated along with any other proposed improvements as to whether a significant visual impact will result.

Eligible Projects

Facade repair and treatment
Window frame replacement (non-repair)
Doors
Signs
Awnings
Exterior lighting
Screening of utilities
Restoration of original architectural features
Building additions
Streetscape enhancements
Landscaping in conjunction with an improvement project involving any of the above activities
Other permanent exterior improvements consistent with the architectural integrity of the building

Ineligible Projects

Working capital
Property acquisition
Equipment or inventory acquisition
Refinancing of existing debt or private funding
Interior remodeling
Sprinkler systems       
Resurfacing of parking lots
Replacement of private sidewalks
Improvements in progress or completed prior to notification of EDC participation
Building permits and related costs

Design Evaluation

Design evaluation and approval will be handled by the Village of Glen Ellyn through the existing permit review process.

Application Requirements

The application form includes a section for applicants to describe aspects of their business plan and the projected tangible benefits to Glen Ellyn. More in depth information on the business operation is required for grant assistance over $5,000. These requirements apply to all applicants including the property owner.

Property Owner Consent:  All applications must be signed by the property owner to indicate consent for the proposed improvements.

Awarded Applicants:  All grant recipients are required to publicly display the Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corporation Grant Award Certification plaque for a period of one year.

Application and Funding Process

Submittal of a complete EDC grant application is required prior to the start of any improvements eligible for assistance. The applicant must also secure any required Village permits prior to starting improvements. The application process is outlined below:

1. 
   

   Contact the Glen Ellyn EDC for program information and to determine project eligibility.



2. 
   

   Contact the Village Planning & Development Department to determine Village approval and permit requirements and submit appropriate permit applications.



3. 
   

   Submit a formal grant application to the EDC for assistance.



4. 
   

   Applicant's attendance may be required at an EDC Board meeting as part of the application review process.



5. 
   

   The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the EDC Board and is subject to funds availability.  The EDC Board may approve grants of less than a 50% match.

Progress Milestones

Projects approved for assistance will be subject to EDC evaluation for sufficient progress toward completion.  There are three milestones to maintain status as an approved project:

1. All necessary permit applications should be filed with the Village not more than 90 days following the date of EDC assistance approval


2. Actual improvements should start not more than 90 days following the date of final Village permit approval needed to commence work


3. The EDC is not obligated to reimburse any approved application for reimbursement after one year from the date of the original approval of the application

Written requests for time extensions for meeting the milestones will be considered by the EDC when appropriate and reasonable.

Reimbursement Process

1. Once work is completed, applicant submits copies of paid invoices from all contractors, releases from all contractor liens, proof of payment, a signed certification form (see attached form), and photos of all improved façades to the EDC for reimbursement.  Proof of payment must include copies of canceled checks and/or credit card receipts.


2. The completed work must comply with Village codes and be accepted by the Village of Glen Ellyn prior to disbursement of EDC assistance


3. The EDC reviews the completed project to ensure that work was performed as outlined in application


4. Reimbursement is processed and sent to applicant

Program Evaluation

The Facade Improvement Grant will be evaluated as needed by the EDC Board to assess effectiveness and future funding requirements.