Façade Grant Applications Available for Downtown

The City of Ames Planning Division is accepting applications for the Downtown Façade Grant. Businesses and building owners within the Downtown Façade Grant Area could qualify for a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $15,000 for façade improvements. In addition, businesses and building owners who improve their façades and are within the Downtown Urban Revitalization Area may be eligible for abatement of property taxes on the assessed value of new improvements.

Façades may also be eligible for grant funding to rehabilitate historically significant, character-defining features.

All applications must demonstrate consistency with the Downtown Design Guidelines. The Downtown Design Guidelines are available on the Planning Division page of the City of Ames website at www.CityOfAmes.org/Planning and describe these concepts more fully with images and examples explaining the intent of the design concept. The application form is also available for download at the same location. A pre-application meeting with the City is strongly encouraged.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2022. For questions on the program or to schedule a pre-application meeting, contact Benjamin Campbell, Planning and Housing Department, at 515.239.5400 or by email at [email protected].