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Facade Improvement Program 2025
SW 9th Facade Improvement Program – for 2025!
$20,000 Single Tenant, $30,000 Multiple Tenants
Program Overview
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50/50 matching grant that requires 50% owner match
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Grant award up to $20,000 for single tenant commercial property ($40,000+ project)
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Grant award up to $30,000 for multiple tenant commercial property ($60,000+ project)
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Grant funds will be issued on a reimbursement basis upon completion of the project
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The program will be in place as long as funding is available
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Applications meeting all eligibility requirements will be considered on a first-come basis.
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All projects must be completed by November 30, 2025
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Recipients from 2023/2024 program are not allowed to apply until July 1st, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
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Property must have frontage along SW 9th Street between Davis and Bundy St.
(Just South of Army Post Road)
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Commercial and Mixed Use Properties are eligible
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Property owned by non-profits are eligible (excluding churches)
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National franchises are eligible if locally owned
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Primarily Residential Properties are NOT eligible
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Property must be in compliance with current commercial zoning
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Property/owner must be current on property tax payments and have no outstanding City or County fees or assessment
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Property/owner should not have any other public or private liens or claims or pending legal action except mortgage liens
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If a business tenant is the applicant, the application must also include a letter of support from the property owner and demonstrate that the tenant has a current signed lease of 2 or more years
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All projects must comply with all applicable building permit, site plan, landscape, and zoning requirements
Eligible Uses for Matching Grant
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Exterior property improvements that are visible from the street, roofs if visible from the SW 9th street at the discretion of approval from the Friends of SW 9th committee
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Parking lot improvements are eligible but the project must also include improvements to the building and/or substantial improvements to the landscaping
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Demolition is eligible if part of a redevelopment project that will replace lost tax base, will have a taxable value (not be tax exempt), and the redevelop project will be completed within 1 year
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Design fees would be covered if work is completed
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No reimbursement for self performed work, 100% of materials with submission of itemized receipts
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Personal exit interview with committee member and owner before funds are released
Program Coordination
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Applications will be submitted to Friends of SW 9th for review and approval by a review committee
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Grant agreements and project eligibility will be coordinated and decided by the Friends of SW 9th
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All invoices must be submitted to Friends of SW 9th and the project must be 100% complete and pass inspection before a reimbursement check will be issued with proof of payment
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City of Des Moines will have final approval.
