Grants Available for Dayton Storefronts

DAYTON—Applications are now being accepted for 2023 grant funds to help pay for the repair and restoration of building fronts in downtown Dayton. The grants are available through the Dayton Development Task Force’s Façade Improvement Grant program, which has been in place for several years and has already helped fund improvements to more than a dozen buildings.

The application deadline is March 31, and projects must be completed by Nov. 30, 2023. Information about the program and the application form are available on the Dayton Chamber of Commerce website, http://www.historicdayton.com. A link to the information is on the homepage.

“The goal of the grant program is to assist with visible improvements to the front façades of buildings downtown, in keeping with downtown Dayton’s historic character,” said Dayton Development Task Force president Bette Lou Crothers.

Eligible buildings must be non-residential and located in Dayton’s downtown district. Priority will be given to buildings on Main Street. Funds will only be provided for improvements to the front facades facing the street.

Façade grant funds may cover up to 100% of the cost of improvements, up to $10,000. Depending on funding availability, improvement projects exceeding $10,000 may be considered, with grant funds covering no more than 50% of the costs exceeding $10,000. The maximum grant amount is $20,000.

Grants may be awarded to owners of eligible buildings or businesses operating in eligible buildings. Improvement expenses may include design, repair, replacement of windows, painting, restoration of historical features, signage, and addition or replacement of awnings. Other improvements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Labor will only be funded for work completed by a contractor licensed in Washington. For projects to be completed by a building or business owner, funds may be available for materials and supplies only.

For more information, contact Façade Improvement Grant committee chair Ken Graham at kengraham443@gmail.com or (509) 540-2752.