Downtown FaÇade Improvement Grant. Information Package

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1 1 Downtown FaÇade Improvement Grant Information Package

2 2 City of Morden 3 Introduction Intent The Downtown Façade Improvement Grant intends to help downtown business owners improve the face of their businesses by providing funds for building upgrades. In addition to improving the appearance of an individual building, these upgrades are expected to contribute to overall downtown enhancement. The Downtown Façade Improvement Grant is a matching grant that will provide 50% of the project cost, with a maximum municipal contribution of $5,000. Program Goals The City of Morden s Corporate Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of Downtown Morden and identifies actions that build on the current momentum, evident in increased building occupancy and new construction. This grant program seeks to put the plan into action by encouraging local business community members to contribute to the redevelopment of their businesses and, by doing so, create a vibrant destination downtown. The anticipated outcome of this program is the enhancement of Downtown Morden s current aesthetic appeal as a cohesive cluster of boutique shops and services. More specifically, the grant program has 4 primary Design Goals: Strong connections to the pedestrian realm Contributes to downtown safety Encourages all-season activity Includes innovative and fun features up to $5,000 in municipal funds

3 4 City of Morden 5 Grant Details Reimbursement Eligible costs reimbursed when work is 100% completed 50% of the lowest quotation is reimbursed up to the maximum. If the project total is under the original estimate maximum of 50% of this amount is eligible. If over budget maximum of 50% of the lowest quotation up to the $5000 maximum Project must meet all legal requirements e.g. by-laws, permit/ building codes Project must achieve at least 4 of the Program Goal elements in order to qualify Design Goals The primary Design Goals are intended to provide applicants and their designers with direction on what the program is trying to achieve. Within each of the Design Goals is a series of design elements. The design elements do not dictate style; instead, they highlight what the City of Morden is hoping the projects will accomplish. Projects being considered for the Façade Improvement Grant must achieve at least 4 design elements described on pages 6 9 to be eligible for a grant. Preference will be given to designs that include a goal from each of the Design Goal categories shown below, though any combination will be accepted. Considerations Retroactivity: an owner of a building within the Downtown Façade Improvement Program boundaries may apply for funding of improvements retroactively, provided the improvements meet the program eligibility requirements and the works were completed between January 1st 2014 and September 1st Double-wide lots & corner lots: program funding is based on typical Stephen Street lot frontages of 25 feet; where building frontage exceeds 25 feet in width, the program approval committee may approve a municipal contribution that exceeds the maximum, provided it is matched by the applicant. Façade: for the purposes of this program, façade means any side of a building facing a public street or public space, excluding lanes. Pedestrian Realm Downtown Safety All-Season Activity Innovative & Fun Fort Bragg, wikimedia.org Milepost Thirty One Storefront, wikimedia.org

4 6 City of Morden 7 Pedestrian Realm Connection to the Pedestrian Realm The building frontage is adjacent to the public sidewalk and building access is at ground-level. Pedestrians are able to easily enter and exit the building. There are no obstructions to the entrance, such as parked cars or stairs. Pedestrian Scale Design The design features improve how the building is experienced from a pedestrian s perspective. The façade includes stylistic variation, rather than large blank walls. The signage is designed to be appealing to people on the street, rather than scaled for motorists. Accessibility The design improves accessibility, such as by providing a ramp for access or providing an entrance wide enough to accommodate people with mobility devices. Some typical standards are: doors 915mm (3 ) or wider accommodate people with mobility aids, mats level with floor using mat sinkages to reduce tripping hazards and thresholds that are beveled and no higher than 13mm (1/2 ) to allow wheelchairs to pass more easily. Colourful Greenery The design incorporates greenery to add visual interest and colour. This can be achieved by using planters or window boxes or, with sufficient space, by adding planting beds. Downtown Safety Natural Surveillance The design improves natural surveillance by enabling a clear view to and from the interior of the building. This can be achieved by incorporating larger windows and reducing obstructions to the lineof-sight. This discourages crimes by increasing the likelihood that someone will be able to see what is happening. Lighting The design features improved lighting, which brightens dark areas where people could hide. This discourages crime by eliminating dark areas with poor visibility. Territoriality Territoriality means using features to clearly differentiate between public, private, and semi-private spaces. Some buildings are extremely public, such as retail stores and services during business hours. These properties should be designed to encourage interactions by including features that invite potential customers inside and that spill-out to the public sidewalk. Others, such as residences or by-appointment businesses, are either private or semi-private in nature. Features such as setbacks and low fences are discrete ways to indicate a more restrained relationship to the streetscape. The Horseshoe, wikimedia.org matthewhartphotography.wordpress.com

5 8 City of Morden 9 All-Season Activity Sun Exposure The design reduces shadows on the pedestrian realm providing greater sun exposure during winter months. This can be achieved by removing large overhanging elements, such as awnings. This can also be done by stepping-back the roof line on south side buildings to allow for more sunlight on the north side of the street. Protection from Wind and Snow The design features an alcove or vestibule where customers can take shelter from wind and snow temporarily. This will allow visitors to prepare for entering or leaving the business by knocking snow off their shoes, closing or opening an umbrella, or similar activities. These areas should be designed in a way that does not obstruct visibility. Landscaping with Colour and Texture in Winter The design incorporates vegetation that maintains its form and colour in the winter months. This can be achieved by mixing coniferous plants with deciduous plants and perennials that exhibit year-long colour and visual appeal. Slip-Resistant Materials The design utilizes slip-resistant materials to reduce hazards during wet or icy conditions. There are several non-slip options such as specially designed metal grating, ceramic tiles, or concrete finishes. Innovative and Fun Unique Architectural Elements The design has elements that are distinct and set the building apart from typical designs. This can be done in a variety of ways such as a unique cornice line or distinctive trim. Sustainable Building Design The design incorporates sustainable practices to reduce the building s environmental impact. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. Examples include uncovering original architectural elements or using locally-sourced building materials. Another is to incorporate a green-wall or a solar-wall. Businesses can also accommodate active transportation by providing bike racks or small seating areas. Texture, Pattern, Shapes, Colours, and Materials to Create a Unique Design The design utilizes texture, pattern, colour, or material to create a distinct appearance. This can be done by choosing a combination of colour and pattern that creates visual interest, or by using materials in a creative way to create a distinct appearance. This can also be done by simply using several colours or materials. Public Art The project incorporates an element of public art such as a mural or sculpture. This adds visual interest on an otherwise blank wall. A mural or sculptural element may be a creative way to indicate the type of business in the building. pxhere.com Center for Sustainable Landscapes, wikimedia.org

6 10 City of Morden 11 Application Process 1. Meet with the City Planner to discuss your project and the application process before preparing your design: Planning & Engineering c/o Martin Sandhurst 133-7th Street Prepare a design that considers the program s Design Goals and meets all legal requirements. 3. Submit a completed application to the City Planner, to arrange review by the program approval committee [Morden Community Development Corporation]. What to Submit 1. Completed Application Form. 2. Pre-construction Photos: Photos shall show the current site and its context including adjacent buildings, roads, sidewalks, and landscaping. 3. Project Description: Include how the project achieves the 4 Program Goal elements. 4. Project Drawings: Drawings should show the proposed design. Conceptual and construction drawings are acceptable [Note reimbursement for project design is capped at $500 maximum municipal contribution]. 5. Project Quotations: At least 2 separate quotations that indicate the material and labour costs of the project [Note reimbursement for project materials and labour is capped at $5000 maximum municipal contribution]. Requirements Projects are required to meet all legal requirements including City bylaws, building codes, and any other applicable regulations. Applicants are encouraged to visit the MSTW Planning District office to determine applicable building permit requirements. Projects being considered for the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant must achieve at least 4 of Program Goal elements. Deadline & Review Process Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning September 11th The program approval committee [Morden Community Development Corporation] will review each application and vote to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the grant application. Approval with conditions will be given in cases where the proposed project only requires minor changes to meet the program eligibility requirements. The applicant will be notified of the committee s decision, typically within a week of the committee s review decision. Funding & Eligibility The funding available for an applicant s project will be determined based on the quotations provided. Funds are available for businesses within the boundary shown on the map. North Railway Street Stephen Street 12th Street 11th Street 10th Street 9th Street Nelson Street 8th Street 7th Street 6th Street 5th Street 4th Street 3rd Street Mon Ami Boulangerie, wikimedia.org Eligibility Boundary

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