facade improvement grants
Help for businesses to fix and refresh their building fronts.
What to Watch
Whether the city publishes clear, consistent rules for how facade grants are prioritized and what proof is required before reimbursement.
Coming Up
Typically discussed at City Council. Check back when the next agenda is published.
The Story
On April 6, council approved two facade grants: up to $17,536 for Cool City Motel doors/locks and up to $10,000 for Lighthouse Inn lighting/signage, both paid from TIF district funds. A few weeks earlier, the motel request was held back when the scope and price changed and staff said it needed to come back properly noticed.
Key Decisions
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passed 9-0 City Council · Apr 6, 2026 26-054 Application for Facade Improvement Assistance by Lighthouse Inn, 1515 Memorial Drive
Motion to approve the application and award the grant as recommended by City Staff (26-054 Application for Facade Improvement Assistance by Lighthouse Inn, 1515 Memorial Drive)
Darla LeClair YesMark Bittner YesShannon Derby YesBill LeClair YesDoug Brandt YesTim Petri YesAdam Wachowski Yes -
passed 9-0 City Council · Apr 6, 2026 26-042 Application for Facade Improvement Assistance by Cool City Motel, 3009 Lincoln Avenue
Motion to approve the application and award the grant as recommended by City Staff (26-042 Application for Facade Improvement Assistance by Cool City Motel, 3009 Lincoln Avenue)
Darla LeClair YesMark Bittner YesShannon Derby YesBill LeClair YesDoug Brandt YesTim Petri YesAdam Wachowski Yes -
passed 9-0 City Council · Nov 3, 2025 25-219 Proposal to Extend Deadline for Completion of Work at The Hook Lanes and Games to Satisfy Facade Grant
Motion to approve final extension to November 14, 2025.
Adam Wachowski YesMark Bittner YesDoug Brandt YesShannon Derby YesBill LeClair YesDarla LeClair YesTim Petri Yes -
passed 9-0 City Council · Aug 18, 2025 25-167 Facade Improvement Program Payment to The Hook Lanes & Games at 1916 Washington Street in the Amount of $23,556
Motion to approve a variance to the facade improvement program guidelines and authorize partial payout to The Hook Lanes & Games in the amount of $23,556.
Adam Wachowski YesDarla LeClair YesMark Bittner YesShannon Derby YesBill LeClair YesDoug Brandt YesTim Petri Yes
Record
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City Council approved an additional deadline extension to Nov. 14, 2025 for The Hook Lanes & Games to complete exterior work required for a facade grant; described as a “final extension.”
City Council -
City Council approved a variance from the facade improvement program guidelines and authorized a partial payout of $23,556 to The Hook Lanes & Games at 1916 Washington Street.
City Council -
Main Street’s director reviewed 2025 activities (including facade grants) and a draft 2026 budget; Main Street projected a 2026 deficit tied to reduced Room Tax support and difficult sponsorships, and board members questioned discrepancies in 2024 historical numbers attributed to a reconciliation.
Business Improvement District Board -
A facade grant request (Application 26-042) for Cool City Motel, 3009 Lincoln Avenue, was discussed: up to $13,272 to replace 28 exterior doors, proposed to be reimbursed from TIF district #11 based on proximity allowed by state law.
City Council -
City Council did not vote on the Cool City Motel request at this meeting; the item was delayed because the project scope and dollar amount changed and staff said it needed to return with proper noticing and updated presentation.
City Council -
City Council approved a facade grant not to exceed $17,536 for Cool City Motel, 3009 Lincoln Avenue, to replace 28 exterior doors and locking systems, reimbursed through TIF district #11; vote 9-0.
City Council -
City Council approved a facade grant not to exceed $10,000 for Lighthouse Inn, 1515 Memorial Drive, for exterior lighting and signage, reimbursed through TIF district #12; vote 9-0.
City Council