FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT (FIG)

OVERVIEW

On behalf of the City of Wadsworth, the Economic Development Department is pleased to announce the launch of a façade Improvement Grant (FIG) for the Match District. Commercial and mixed-use buildings within the Match District may use the FIG to support highly visible exterior improvements to their business storefronts. The purpose of the FIG is to encourage and help fund high-quality façade improvement projects which  enhance the pedestrian experience and make the Match District in Wadsworth a more attractive, pleasant, and  vibrant business district. The FIG has a total of $50,000 of program funds and will act as a 75% reimbursement for eligible improvements. Maximum FIG awards shall not exceed $15,000 per project site.  

Eligible FIG improvements may include:   

• Rehabilitation of existing building façade and wall surfaces
• Full storefront makeover which may include new doors and windows 
• Awnings, canopies or similar improvements which are structurally attached to the building façade 
• Rooftops which are visible to the traveling public 
• Exterior lighting and necessary electrical upgrades 
• Masonry or siding repair or replacement 
• Exterior cleaning, painting, and/or paint removal 
• New externally illuminated signage
• Installation of landscaping, hardscape patios or decks which are highly visible from the street 
• All reimbursable improvements must be visible from the street (unless approved by the review committee)

Ineligible FIG improvements include:   

• Improvements which are deemed temporary in nature and do not have an average life-space greater than five (5) years
• Outdoor furniture
• Fencing
• Paving or parking lot improvements
• Items not affixed to the building’s exterior
• Improvements to single-family residential buildings 
• Out-of-pocket expenses (i.e., project soft costs) for design, permits and labor completed by someone other than a licensed, bonded and registered professional contractor

Application Filing and Deadline

FIG applications will be accepted beginning on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 8:00 AM (EST)  Applications will be accepted by paper mail or electronically by sending to:

City of Wadsworth, Economic Development Department

Attn: Matthew Springer

120 Maple Street

Wadsworth, OH 44281

mspringer@wadsworthcity.org

Questions pertaining to the FIG can be directed to Matthew Springer by calling (330) 322-5300 or by email at mspringer@wadsworthcity.org 

FIG applications should be complete, include authorized signatures and include:

• A detailed narrative of the proposed project
• Detailed cost estimate(s) 
• Proposed project timeline if awarded
• FIG application filing deadline is Friday, June 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM (EST)