SHELBY — The City of Shelby wants to help its local businesses add to the character of downtown.
Shelby City Council and city officials have funded a facade improvement program for businesses in the Central Business District.
Commercial property and business owners seeking to improve the appearance of their storefront can apply for a grant to cover partial costs of eligible projects.
Jessica Gribben, economic development manager for Shelby and Northern Richland County, announced the program began accepting applications April 17.
Applications will be collected through May 10 and can be found on the city’s website.
“This program allows building owners to offset some of their expenses on eligible facade and building improvements that add to the character of downtown Shelby,” Gribben said in an email announcement last week.
Projects must be completed, paid for during 2024
Gribben sought approval from Shelby City Council to start the program — which is entering its fourth year.
“They (council) supported it and have helped it grow over the last couple of years,” she told Richland Source on Monday.
“The program encourages people to think about the aesthetics of downtown. It gives them a little boost and an opportunity to be reimbursed for the projects that help make downtown special.”
Several Shelby businesses have previously participated in the program,, including: Kilgore, Herring & Associates, Weber’s Bar, Shelby Mutual Insurance Agency, Black Fork Commons Mercantile & The Well Coffee Shop and S&S Second Chances Art and Craft Studio.
All project proposals are subject to review by the facade improvement committee, as well as building department rules and regulations.
Furthermore, historic buildings may require a certificate of appropriateness for their project. Projects must be completed and paid out in the 2024 calendar year.
Eligible improvements include: exterior painting, signage, awnings, storefront/facade cleaning and/or restoration, sidewalks, lighting, security devices, roofing, permanent flower boxes and planters, among other related exterior improvements.
Requests to finance improvements previously completed will not be accepted. Funds are limited to one grant per business and/or storefront per year.
Facade improvement application details
Grants will be awarded on a 50 percent matching basis to the applicant’s contribution. For a $500 project, the business owner would be responsible for $250 — the remaining amount covered by grant funds.
Funds are released to grantees after all project invoices are paid and approvals acquired.
Grants may be capped around $5,000 per individual project — subject to review by committee, number of applicants and project impact.
Prior to applying, applicants are asked to contact Gribben at 419-342-4159 to schedule an appointment.
Additionally, a visual representation of the proposed work must be submitted, along with cost estimates from a trade person, contractor or supplier who’s registered in Shelby.
Gribben said the committee looks for projects with the biggest visual impact — which help create a “charming downtown.”
Submissions will be reviewed by the facade improvement committee within 30 days of receipt. Improvements must be performed within 120 days of approval — unless the city grants a written extension.
The City of Shelby reserves the right to turn down an application if the improvement isn’t consistent with the overall image of the Central Business District or the area in which the business resides.
(Below is a PDF copy of the 2024 Facade Improvement Program application — which can also be accessed on the City of Shelby website.)
