Facade Improvements

Facade Improvement
Matching Grant Program
(download the application in PDF format)

PROGRAM SUMMARY
Main Street Mansfield believes that our historic downtown area is a valuable resource worth preserving. The purpose of the Main Street Mansfield Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program is to encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of historically significant structures within the Downtown Mansfield District.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DESIGN COMMITTEE MUST APPROVE ALL APPLICATIONS BEFORE WORK BEGINS.

Eligible Applicants:

Property owners, tenants or developers of commercial or mixed use commercial structures that are members in good standing with Main Street Mansfield, Inc.
Tenants of commercial or mixed-use commercial structures with signed permission of the property owner and who are members in good standing with Main Street Mansfield, Inc.

Program Guidelines:
1. All work performed must be in keeping with the architectural renderings and specifications approved by the Main Street Design Committee and according to the Main Street Design Guidelines. No changes in design are allowed unless approved.
2. Projects will be reviewed and approved using the following criteria:

The historical or architectural significance of the building.
The impact of the project on the attractiveness of the building, the streetscape, and the downtown or neighborhood.
The architectural quality of the design proposal.
The Secretary of Interior's Guidelines for Historic Preservation.

3. All work performed must meet the City of Mansfield Building codes. Projects must begin within three (3) months and be completed no later than twelve (12) months after approval of the grant.
4. One grant per applicant per building within a calendar year. Multiple projects will be given consideration on an individual basis. If funds allocated for the year are not used, committee will consider multiple projects.

Eligible Improvements:
Projects are limited to façade improvements, which include the following:

Exterior cleaning, painting and or paint removal
Masonry repair and repainting
Repair and replacement of architectural details or materials
Window replacement or repair
Rehabilitation or compatible reconstruction of storefronts
Professional design, engineering or architectural fees
Repair or rehabilitation of historic signage
New awnings or the rehabilitation of existing awnings
Removal of inappropriate or out-of-date signage
Removal of metal siding and exterior slip covers (surfaces)

*These are only examples. All projects are subject to the discretion of
Main Street Mansfield.

Ineligible Expenditures:

Interior rehabilitation or decoration
Landscaping and paving
Refinancing of existing debt
Inventory and equipment
Sweat equity (payments for applicant's own labor)
IMPROVEMENTS MADE PRIOR TO GRANT APPROVAL
General periodic maintenance
General business operations expenses (payroll, taxes, utilities, etc.)

Grant Amount: The program will pay façade grants up to fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the façade project, or $2,500, whichever is less. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis.

Application Process:

1. Pay Application Fee of $250.00
2. Meet with the Design Committee!
3. Complete grant application in full. Include the necessary drawings and cost estimates, and return all to the Main Street Mansfield Design Committee. The applications must be received one week prior to the Design Committee Meeting.
4. Meet with the Design Committee to discuss plans. After a review of plans, the committee will make a recommendation. The applicant will be notified, in writing, of the decision. Work must begin within three (3) months and be completed within twelve (12) months of approval. The applicant or his agent is responsible for obtaining the required permit (s) from the City of Mansfield Inspection Department. Main Street Mansfield reserves the right to cancel this agreement in the event of failure to comply with this schedule.
5. Submit a financial summary report, copies of invoices and waivers of lien from contractors (and subcontractors, if applicable). Funds will be dispersed only after verification that the work has been completed in accordance with the contract.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE CAN BE NO CHANGES TO DESIGNS, WITHOUT PRIOR DESIGN COMMITTEE APPROVAL. The Design Committee Meets on the 3rd Friday of every month. Please call the Main Street office to be placed on the Agenda.