Thinking of sprucing up your downtown business? The City may be able to help!
The new Downtown Storefront Improvement Program provides matching grants of up to $20,000 for business owners (or owners of commercial buildings) in the Old Town area of Beaverton for storefront improvements. See the highlighted areas of Storefront Program Boundaries map (PDF) to determine whether your building is in the eligible area.
The Storefront Program is meant to help local businesses improve their appearance,
enhance the general business environment downtown, and to help attract further investment to Beaverton's commercial core.
The City expects to assist 5-10 businesses per year. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Program's architect can help you explore a variety of different design ideas, and estimate the costs of different repairs and improvements.
Businesses receiving a grant will consult with City staff and an architect (paid for by the Program) on proposed improvements.
Work eligible for reimbursement under the grant includes most aspects of street-facing façade rehabilitation, including storefronts, exterior lighting, canopies and awnings, painting and masonry, and architectural/ dimensional signage.
The Storefront Program will match every dollar a participating business spends on these kinds of improvements, up to a $20,000 maximum grant.
Some businesses and buildings are not eligible for assistance under the Program:
The Storefront Program is funded by Community Development Block Grants through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Contractors must be selected through competitive bids, and contractors working on Storefront Program projects must be licensed and abide by certain federal requirements, including prevailing wage verification. (City staff will assist with meeting these conditions).
Process
After the City has reviewed your application and determined that you are eligible for assistance, Program staff will meet with you and the Program's architect (or one of your choice) to discuss the scope of work and design ideas.
The architect will help you arrive at a final design and with getting approval from the City's Board of Design Review. City staff will consult with the State Historic Preservation Office where necessary and with the contractor(s) to document prevailing wage compliance.
After the work is completed, the City will reimburse you for up to 50% of the cost of eligible expenses you have paid for, up to $20,000.
For more information, call the Economic Development Program at (503) 526-2533, or email the Program Coordinator: blockgrantmail@ci.beaverton.or.us.
