BID Façade Improvement Program Application

Supporting Documents

PDF icon BID Facade Improvement Program Paper Application (149 KB)

Waupun Business Improvement District

~ Façade Improvement Program ~

INTRODUCTION
The Façade Improvement Program has been established by the Waupun Business Improvement District (BID) and may be utilized in conjunction with the Community Development Authority’s Design Assistant Grant and Building Improvement Program.
 
PURPOSE/MISSION
  • To improve the business climate in downtown Waupun.
  • To improve the aesthetics (façade) of existing businesses
  • This mission will also enhance the quality of life in the Waupun Area.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Property owners and businesses within the B I D of the City of Waupun are eligible for up to $2,000.00 in matching grant funds for improvements to the exterior of their buildings or improvements visible from the exterior of the building. As a matching grant program, the BID will reimburse the property owner for up to 50% of the expense, up to a maximum of $2,000.00 The BID reserves the right under this program to exceed the maximum grant amount of $2,000.00 on a case-by-case basis. All grants will be awarded to eligible applicants while funds are available. Applicants are eligible for only one grant award per calendar year, unless otherwise approved by the BID Board.
 
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
The Façade Improvement Program is available to any Waupun commercial property, or commercial property having a residence, and business owner located in the Business Improvement District.
No application will be reviewed or presented to the committee for their consideration on behalf of an individual or entity that is delinquent in their City of Waupun Property Taxes or Waupun Utility Bills. Neither the grant recipient nor the landlord (if not the same entity) can be delinquent on any utility bills or property taxes in the City of Waupun on any property located in the City.
Eligible projects must meet the requirements of the Zoning Code and Design Standards identified in the Waupun Municipal Code.
 
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
  • Façade renovations – including but not limited to Window Installation, Signage, Awnings and Exterior lighting
  • Other expenses deemed eligible by the BID Board
INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
  • Interior items – including but not limited to appliances, lighting, wall coverings, carpet and paint. These items may be funded through grants offered by the Community Development Authority.
  • Other expenses deemed ineligible by the BID Board
PROCESS
  1. Applications are distributed and collected by the BID Board: Waupun Business Improvement District – Clerk’s Office, Waupun City Hall 201 E. Main Street, Waupun WI 53963
  2. As there are code restrictions, it is the applicant’s responsibility to receive approval by the City Building Inspector for all projects prior to submission of application.
  3. Completed applications must be submitted no later than the 1st Wednesday of the month in order to be considered at the BID board meeting for that month. Applicant(s) must attend the scheduled BID board meeting. Regular BID board meetings are held at 7:00 AM the second Wednesday of every month, Waupun City Hall Council Chambers.
  4. Notification of approval/denial will be provided to the applicant by the BID within five (5) days of application. Note that the project must be approved prior to any of the work taking place; failure to have prior approval from the BID Board may result in a denial of the funding request for the qualifying project.
  5. Appropriate documentation, such as invoices, must be submitted to the City Clerk for fund reimbursement upon completion of the project. All reimbursable expenses must be submitted within 90 days of grant approval.
  6. Note that all projects must be underway within ninety (90) days of grant approval.
  7. If the projects are not done in accordance with the requirements and time schedule identified, then the applicant MUST re-appear for re-approval.
APPLICATIONS
  • Completed Façade Improvement Program application form (attached)
  • Completed Release of Information Letter (attached)

DESIGN GUIDELINES

All applicants shall utilize the design standards set forth in Chapter 25 of the Municipal Code as a guideline for designing improvements to buildings. These design criteria were recommended by the Community Development Authority to the Common Council.
 
1. PURPOSE & INTENT
It is the general intent of the Community Development Authority to renovate, preserve and maintain properties within the redevelopment area of the City of Waupun through a process of design review in order to:
  • Encourage urban design excellence
  • Integrate urban design and preservation of Waupun’s heritage into the process of redevelopment
  • Enhance the character of the Waupun business community
2. APPLICABILITY
  • Context: The facility is designed in a manner that is mindful of and complementary to the existing building and natural environment.
  • Harmony: The facility uses materials, forms and colors that serve as unifying elements with the surrounding buildings and natural environment.
  • Compatibility: The facility should be compatible with nearby buildings’ architectural scale, color, rhythm and proportions.
  • Building Design: All buildings shall be designed with attention and sensitivity to the historical, architectural and physical context in which they are located.
  • Facades: Facades should exhibit rhythms similar to those found in adjacent structures.
  • Colors: Color selection of exterior surfaces, materials and equipment should not detract from the surrounding area. Neon and fluorescent tones are prohibited.
  • Awnings: Awnings and canopies are encouraged. If provided, they should be designed as an integral component of the building façade.
  • Signage: Placement of signs shall not be unduly obscure or interfere with sight lines to other properties. Signs should be architecturally compatible and contribute to the character of the area through the incorporation of tasteful presentations.
  • Historic preservation: Preservation of unique historic or architectural landmarks is encouraged.

Applications missing any materials will be returned for completion.

REVISED 06-20-17
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