Apply
Facade Improvement Program 2026
SW 9th Facade Improvement Program – for 2026!
$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, 2026
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If Facade Improvement was used 2 years in a row they are not eligible for 1 year
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
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If Facade Improvement was used 2 years in a row they are not eligible for 1 year
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. All payments must be paid to licensed vendors. Polk County will not accept reporting for personal Venmo transactions, cash payments or checks made out to individuals.
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City of Des Moines will have final approval.
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Submit Application to: Friends of SW 9th
3305 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315
Date1.26.2026 Bill Hansen, Email: hansen@networkiowa.com
