Additional Informational Session for Façade Improvement Program Added
UPDATE: On Tuesday night, the City of Evanston hosted its first Façade Improvement Program Informational Session. We had more than 50 attendees representing businesses in all nine of Evanston’s wards. Since this is the first time this new program will be offered, we will be offering a second informational session on Friday, January 7th at 8am at the Civic Center.
PLEASE NOTE: If a representative from a business or property attended the 1/4/2011 meeting, attendance at this meeting is not required.
What: Façade Improvement Program Informational Session: Come learn about the City of Evanston’s financial assistance program that is available to businesses and commercial property owners to support activities to fix up storefronts throughout Evanston.
When: January 7, 2011 at 8:00am (Attendance at an informational session is required to participate in the program)
Where: Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge, Evanston, Room 2404
The City of Evanston's Economic Development Division will be holding a Façade Improvement Program Informational Session on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. The Façade Improvement Program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and tenants to improve and enhance the exterior of buildings.
The city revised the program last Fall and is now rolling out the revised program for 2011. The city will be accepting applications three times in 2011 and holding informational sessions during each application period.
“The Façade Improvement Program is designed to promote commercial activity throughout Evanston. The eligible exterior improvements help improve a business’ ability to bring in new customers and can support property owners’ efforts to attract new tenants,” explained the City of Evanston's Director of Community and Economic Development Steve Griffin.
Eligible participants are business owners (tenants) and commercial property owners. Eligible projects could include painting, tuck pointing, installation of new lights, restoration of historic details, new awnings/signage and replacement of doors and/or windows.
How the program works?
The program provides financial assistance to property owners on a 50/50 cost sharing basis. Participants submit an application to the city, staff then presents applications to the Economic Development Committee for review and lastly the City Council acts on the recommendations of the committee. Individuals could be eligible for up to $10,000 (in some cases more) in cost sharing for project completion.
What will be covered in the Informational Session of the Façade Improvement Program?
This Orientation and Informational Session on the City of Evanston's Façade Improvement Program will provide an overview of the program, how to apply and information about the city's public approval process. The meeting will also be an opportunity to ask city staff questions.
The meeting is Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 6 p.m., Room 2100, Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. Visit the Economic Development Division online at www.cityofevanston.org/community-economic-development and click "Economic Development" for additional information on the program or call 847/448-8100.
