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The Greater Wayne County Economic Development Corporation (GWEDC) has established the Wayne County Facade Improvement Program, specifically targeting those municipalities designated by the County as distressed communities, including: Highland Park; Hamtramck; Inkster; Ecorse; River Rouge and Detroit. The Program will be administered by the Wayne County One-Stop Business Resource Center.
This Facade Program assists businesses seeking to renovate or restore their exterior signage, lighting or commercial building facade. The Program’s objectives are to improve the physical appearance of independent businesses and enhance the traditional downtown area, block, or portion of a block that contains buildings, properties, and businesses in need of exterior facade or signage improvements.
GRANT FUNDING:
The funding that is offered is a matching grant in which the Program would reimburse the applicant fifty percent (50%) of the total project cost, up to $10,000 maximum. In certain instances where the area is considered seriously depressed, which will be determined by Wayne County, seventy-five percent (75%) of the total project cost, up to $10,000, will be considered. Matched dollars are being counted strictly on a building per building basis. Projects that receive an application authorization will be approved only if a dollar for dollar cash match (per building) commitment is in place prior to the start of the project.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate a fast track plan to complete the facade improvements within six months of application approval. All selected applicants will receive architectural assistance. A licensed architect, retained by Wayne County, will provide drawings, specifications and consultations. The progress of the project will be monitored to ensure compliance with the “Scope of Services” outlined in the Grant Facade Agreement. The Facade Program should be specific to individual storefronts, aimed at stimulating other developments in the area, while adhering to the Master Plan of the participating municipality. Wayne County will coordinate with the facade program of the participating municipality, if they have one, and will depend on their technical advice and recommendations.
RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
Wayne County One-Stop Business Resource Center
Facade Improvement Program
600 Randolph, Suite #323
Detroit, MI 48226
Download Facade Improvement Program application 
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