KFDA Facade Improvement Grant Guidelines

The Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA) intends to assist building owners in improving the outward appearance of their buildings within the KFDA service area (see map), through the creation of a Façade Improvement Program.  The KFDA will provide financial assistance to the building owners and qualified tenants willing to make significant private investment in their own buildings.  Funds will be distributed via a competitive application process and will be limited to those approved by the Façade Improvement Selection Committee made up of KFDA members, community members and one community development staff member from the city.
 
Financial Incentive:
Approved applicants will be granted up to $15,000 of their total project and will be required to match the grant by 30%.  Grant disbursements shall only be made to reimburse incurred expenses as demonstrated through verified receipts.
 
Eligibility:

• Building must be located in the KFDA's downtown service area
• All applicants are required to attend an informational meeting on September 20, 2018 (location TBD)
• Primary applicant must be a KFDA Partner at the "Advocate" level or higher at the time of application (click here for KFDA Partner information and application)
• Building must be structurally sound
• If a lessee submits a grant application, an accompanying owner consent form is required
• All work must be on the exterior of the building and result in a publicly visible improvement.  Work on the rear or roof of the building is not eligible for a façade grant
• Property must be up to date on property taxes
• Tax exempt properties are ineligible
• Project costs must exceed $3000
• Project work must comply with the city of Klamath Falls development standards (CDO Chapters 10-14)
• Project work cannot begin prior to Grant Agreement finalization
• Priority will be given to projects that either update a historically significant building (as listed on the Downtown Historical Survey) or that return an altered façade to its original look
• In recognizing the need to improve public safety and pedestrian friendliness, priority will also be given to projects that improve street and storefront lighting (other than flashing or neon light)
• All projects aimed at blight elimination will be considered

 
Eligible Exterior Façade Improvements (All improvements shall also adhere to the Downtown Business Zone Design Review Standards (CDO 12.750-12.796)):

• Exterior painting, residing, and refinishing
• Restoration of original exterior finishes and materials on historically significant buildings
• Masonry repairs and tuck pointing
• Removal of architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes and materials
• Restoration of architectural details or removal of materials that cover architectural details
• Repair or replacement of windows and doors (if replacement, windows and doors must be architecturally appropriate)
• Window and cornice flashing and repair.
• Canopy or awning installation or repair.
• Restoration of murals
• Exterior Lighting installation
• Other repairs that may improve the aesthetic quality of the building

 
Ineligible Work:  Items include, but are not limited to the following

• Interior improvements
• Roofing
• Inappropriate repairs, replacements, or alterations to historically significant buildings
• Sidewalk construction or repair

 
Process:

• Applications will be accepted by the KFDA staff until October 15, 2018
• All applicants and potential applicants will be required to attend a one hour program review session (location TBD) on September 20, 2018
• Simple drawings and/or paint palate will need to be provided
• Completed applications will be reviewed by the KFDA staff and selection committee
• Grant recipients will be selected on or about November 15, 2018
• Upon finalizing the Grant Agreement, applicants will have one calendar year to complete the proposed improvements.
• Any changes to the proposed grant improvements must be reviewed and approved by the selection committee prior to the work being completed
• For architectural changes, a limited amount of design assistance by a local architect may be available.  Please inquire. 

 
Conditions for Reimbursement:

• Copies of all paid invoices will be required for reimbursement upon completion of project
• A site visit will be done at the completion of project to determine compliance to grant agreement

If you believe your project qualifies, click here to submit an application.