EDA Meeting Date: April 28, 2025
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Program Associate
Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
Fa?ade Improvement Grant Awarded 2025
Body
Action Requested:
The EDA shall receive a presentation from staff regarding the EDA's Fa?ade Improvement Program.
Summary Report:
Applications to the 2025 Fa?ade Improvement Grant opened on February 1, 2025 and closed on March 14, 2025. Staff reviewed five applications for the available $20,000 and awarded and entered into grant agreements with two applicants: Northside Boards at 409 Division and By All Means Graphics at 17 Bridge Square. The proposed work includes window and door replacements and tuckpointing.
Background
The program was originally created in 2019 to offer building owners incentive to invest in building exteriors, specifically in the downtown district. The program is designed to address the then-established strategic plan priorities of, "Strengthen downtown as a destination," and, "reinvest in character and sustain sense of place." The grant program is modelled on similar successful programs throughout the state, including those in Columbia Heights, Farmington, Hopkins, Marshall, Richfield, and Shakopee and was funded for three years.
By the end of the first three-year iteration of the program, the EDA granted $127,279 to 13 different recipients, spurring $213,581 in private investment, for a total of over $340,000 investment in the aesthetics, vitality, and longevity of the Downtown.
In 2023, the EDA voted to extend the program for another three years to 2026. The program continues to be a popular source of funding for downtown building owners. In the last two years the fa?ade improvement grant program issued $162,794 for building projects in the eligible area[JR1], matched with $346,311 from property owners. The program has inspired more than $500,000 of investment since the inaugural year.
Program changes in 2023...
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