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PHOTO: Day’s Jewelers in Waterville, after a facade spruce-up as part of the Central Maine Growth Council Facade and Building Improvement Grant Program. (Submitted photo)
WATERVILLE — Central Maine Growth Council’s Façade and Building Improvement Grant Program has opened to eligible downtown business and property owners for a third funding cycle.
Since the program’s 2019 inception, the grant initiative has distributed funding for a variety of exterior improvements such as window replacement, painting, lighting, awnings or canopies and signs.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to review FBIGP program materials online at www.centralmaine.org/facade and are required to attend a virtual workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 22. Grant applications are due at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 and awarded projects are expected to be announced on Thursday, Aug. 12. Awarded projects are to be completed by Dec. 1.
“By helping our residents and business owners improve their storefronts, we’re working together to welcome visitors and customers back downtown so they can shop locally and support the economy,” Joy McKenna, member of the FBIGP advisory committee, said. “This funding will drive direct investment while ensuring that we take care of our greatest assets in the process as the city proceeds with several major downtown projects.”
Waterville’s facade program has continued to incentivize investment and bolster the visual aesthetics of downtown storefronts, restoring the original character of the historic exteriors and encouraging other eligible parties to elevate the visual appearance of their buildings and businesses. CMGC has deployed 21 grants since the program’s launch in 2019, supporting more than $2.1 million in direct investment in less than three years.
“The program will again this year provide direct funding into the downtown and continue to ensure Waterville’s unique history, beauty, and sense of place are retained through investments to historical architecture, storefronts, urban aesthetics, signage, and streetscaping enhancements,” said Garvan D. Donegan, CMGC’s director of planning, innovatio, and economic development. “Complementing Waterville’s revitalization during a time of ongoing and fast-paced downtown construction, this year’s facade program also includes increased prioritization of projects such as outdoor seating and streetscaping amenities that will provide downtown businesses and property owners with the support they need to drive sales and contribute to the city’s growing economic vitality.”
Workshop details, program guidance, and application materials can be found at www.centralmaine.org/facade.
