FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Program Guidelines & Application

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1 Mission Statement To encourage, enhance and promote a viable, social and economic downtown district FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Program Guidelines & Application Purpose of the DWP Façade Improvement Program The Façade Improvement Program is intended to encourage building renovations that address blighting conditions by offering financial incentives to property owners who improve the exterior appearance of their Downtown Wapakoneta buildings within the Façade Improvement Program area (see attached map, area designated as Downtown Focus Area) in compliance with the guidelines outlined in the Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership (DWP) Façade Improvement Program. This program is designed to assist building owners committed to the stabilization and repair of existing structures for the long-term benefit of Downtown Wapakoneta. Applications for the Façade Improvement Program (FIP) will be reviewed for approval by the DWP Façade Improvement Committee. Included in the review will be the owner s history of property maintenance violations. A. OBJECTIVES: The principal objectives of the DWP Façade Improvement Program are to: 1. Provide financial incentive for the Downtown Wapakoneta Property Owners to upgrade the exterior of their buildings; 2. Maintain and enhance property values and economic benefits of Downtown Wapakoneta Property ownership; 3. Retain and attract businesses to strengthen the business potential of Downtown Wapakoneta; 4. Support the preservation, restoration and maintenance of the historic integrity of buildings in Downtown Wapakoneta.

2 B. ELIGIBILITY: All commercial property owners, and for-profit businesses or not-for-profit organizations with leasehold improvement provisions, willing to improve the exterior of properties located within Downtown Wapakoneta are eligible to receive assistance. A recipient may utilize the DWP Façade Improvement Program in conjunction with other public financial resources such as the Revolving Loan Program. (RLP) First time applicants shall be given funding priority. Subsequently, owners or buildings which have received prior FIP support will be considered on a caseby-case basis. Projects involving a previously funded building may be considered after completion of any previous projects. Owners may receive assistance for more than one building providing funding is available. C. GUIDELINES FOR THE FIP: While individual projects may focus on one or more of the following guidelines, the DWP Façade Improvement Program s objectives will be to achieve: 1. Façade Renovation-Must involve the general upgrading of a building s external appearance focusing on the following guidelines: (Exhibit A) - Maintenance of the historic or architectural integrity of the structure; - Preservation, replacement or restoration of architectural features or decorative details that may have appeared on the original building façade; - Accentuation of existing historical features through painting, restoration, replacement, cleaning or treatment of surfaces; - Maintenance of continuity with the character of the Downtown Wapakoneta Business District, through the use of color, materials and structural design; - Improvement or maintenance of the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure while complimenting its historical architectural integrity.

3 2. Architectural Design Services - For properties eligible for or listed on the National Register, a qualified architect should be retained for concept drawings, specifications and consultation to maintain the historic character of the building renovations. D. GUIDELINES FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The DWP Façade Improvement Program has two basic components: 1. Funding - Financial assistance for façade improvements- a 50% reimbursement for the actual costs of façade and/or related exterior rehabilitation expenses up to $10,000. A minimum of $1,250 will be available for each approved project with the opportunity for assistance up to $10,000 based on the FIP Incentive Scoring. - Incentive Scoring - each applicant will be scored by the DWP Façade Improvement Committee on an Incentive Scoring Criteria with a total possible score of 20 points per project. Financial awards will be granted based on the overall final score of the submitted project. (Exhibit B) 2. Architecture - Architectural assistance for design improvements the use of a qualified architect or design professional with expertise in Historic Architecture is encouraged. The architectural fee is an eligible part of the total project cost. - Façade Renderings -applicants must provide a detailed drawing of the proposed improvement(s). The cost of drawings done by a design professional will be considered as part of the total project cost. E. FINANCING POLICIES: 1. Reimbursements- all assistance is on a reimbursement basis following completion of the project. The total reimbursement for all forms of FIP assistance shall not exceed $10,000 per project.

4 2. Indemnification-the applicant and or property owner must agree not to change or alter the approved façade project for five (5) years from the date the funds are issued unless prior approval is granted. The FIP may, at its discretion, require the signing of an Indemnification Agreement*, calling for reimbursement of FIP funds should non-approved changes occur during the prescribed period. This legal agreement shall be required to be filed with the Auglaize County Recorder for public record. 3. Repayments- No payments will be required if all terms are met. 4. Ineligible Projects-Applications which will not be considered for financial assistance are those which: - Involve interior rehabilitation including modernization of electrical, mechanical, or structural elements. However, FIP funds may be used for façade improvements in conjunction with a separately financed rehabilitation project. - Include the costs of routine maintenance unless the repairs will support the health, safety, and preservation of the Downtown structure. - Do not follow the approved architectural plans and designs for façade renovation. F. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. All work must be done in accordance with the DWP Design Guidelines and all applicable local and state codes. The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and code approvals from the City of Wapakoneta. 2. All interior/exterior code deficiencies or violations and imminent Health and safety hazards must be corrected in conjunction with the Façade renovation. 3. Projects must be started within 60 days of project and/or building permit approval and completed within 180 days thereafter. Extension to the 180-day completion period may be granted for such variables as inclement weather, or the ordering of special building materials. The

5 applicant must request an extension in writing. The DWP Façade Improvement Committee will notify the applicant in writing of its approval or denial. 4. Any renovation work undertaken prior to the DWP s final written authorization to begin construction (when a building permit is required by local building codes) is not eligible for assistance under this program. 5. All renovation work undertaken in conjunction with the façade improvement program which exceeds approved financial assistance shall be borne by the applicant. 6. All construction management shall be the responsibility of the applicant. 7. The DWP and all duly authorized Federal, State and Local agencies or Representatives shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records which are directly related to the FIP assistance for the purposes of monitoring, making audits, examination, excerpts, and transcripts. All records supporting the costs and components of FIP assisted improvements shall be maintained for a period of 5 years following completion of the FIP agreement period, agreement termination or default, whichever shall first occur. 8. Any member of the DWP Façade Improvement Committee shall recuse himself from participation in the review and/or approval of applications for FIP funding that may result in personal or financial benefit to himself, his immediate family, or business associates. * Indemnification Agreement-a legal document requiring reimbursement of awarded funds for non-authorized changes to the facade improvements funded by this program for a period of 5 years following the completion of the project. Such an agreement is to be signed by the applicant/property owner at the time of the disbursement of funds and shall include a legal description of the subject property and be legally binding on the applicant/property owner and his successors in interest. This document

6 must be executed in a manner permitting recording with the office of the Auglaize County Recorder. All costs connected with the preparation and recording of this document shall be paid by the applicant/property owner. Examples of Projects Eligible for Funding (Exhibit A) The list below identifies some of the projects that may be eligible for funding under the Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership Façade Improvement Program. All projects funded must meet the guidelines outlined on Page 2 and will be awarded financial support based on the Incentive Scoring Criteria. Other projects may be eligible for the Façade Improvement Program if they meet these guidelines as well. -Window replacement or repair -Exterior Painting -Fascia -Brick replacement/tuck pointing -Stucco and Masonry work -Parapets -Roofing -Gutters and down spouts -Exterior Doors -Uncovering and restoration of historical facades

7 -Replacement and/or repair of cornice, shutters and other architectural features. -Removal of inappropriate façade materials -Addition of appropriate detailing which leads to a substantially enhanced authentic historical appearance. -Awning installation or replacement -Installation and improvement of signage -Installation of exterior decorative lighting and upgrading of fixtures on exterior of façade. -Store Front renovation or repair -Cleaning of masonry or metals when done to preserve or protect and utilizing the gentlest method possible. Incentive Scoring Criteria (Exhibit B) The incentive scoring criteria reflect those priorities considered to be most important to the continued improvement of the Wapakoneta Downtown Business Area. Financial awards will be based on the Incentive Score and project adherence to the established Guideline for FIP. (See pg. 2) The incentive scoring criteria are as follows: 1. Projects which undertake substantial repair or complete replacement of roof material, sheathing, structural roof framing such as rafters and trusses; or act to preserve the building shell by the repair or replacement of brick, block, masonry, wood or other appropriate materials. The project must act to prevent deterioration of the building from moisture and other harmful elements. (6 points) 2. Projects which remove false fronts and siding of metal, vinyl, fiberglass, plywood, or other inappropriate material; and which replace same with materials appropriate to the historic era of the building. Projects must involve the restoration or rehabilitation of the storefront or main entrance in a way that respects the historic integrity of the building. (6 points) 3. Projects which repair, restore, or appropriately replace exterior paint, windows, exterior doors, transoms, or primary entryway. Such projects must address the principle of opening the building to the street. (3 points) 4. Projects which install, repair or replace signage, or awnings over the front or side of the building. Awning replacement must be over a sidewalk or other pedestrian walkway and made of soft vinyl or canvas material. (3 points) 5. Projects by an owner who received no property maintenance citations for the project address during the twelve month preceding the application. (1 point)

8 6. Projects involving a building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (1 point) Up to three (3) additional points may be awarded by the DWP Façade Improvement Committee for projects that address the criteria listed below or that are of particular merit, but in no case will the total funding exceed $10,000. Projects that address the Front Façade of the building. (1 pt) Projects located on Auglaize Street between Blackhoof Street and Park Street. (2pts) Projects shall be entitled to funding based on the total incentive score according to the following table: Incentive Points Total FIP Amt. Incentive Points Total FIP Amt. 1-2 $1, $6, $2, $7, $3, $8, $4, $9, $5, $10,000 Downtown Wapakoneta Façade Improvement Program Incentive Scoring Tool Score Criteria 1. Project undertakes substantial repair or complete replacement of roof material, Sheathing, and structural roof framing such as rafters and trusses, or acts to preserve the building shell by the repair or replacement of brick, block, masonry, wood or other appropriate materials. The project must act to prevent deterioration of the building from moisture and other harmful elements. (6 points) PTS 2. Project removes false fronts and siding of metal, vinyl, fiberglass, plywood, or other inappropriate material; and replaces same with materials appropriate to the historic era of the building. Projects must involve the restoration or rehabilitation of the storefront or main entrance in a way that respects the historic integrity of the PTS building. (6 points) 3. Project repairs, restores, or appropriately replaces exterior paint, windows,

9 exterior doors, transoms, or primary entryway. Such projects must address the principle of opening the building to the street. (3 points) PTS 4. Project installs repairs or replaces signage or awnings over the front or side of the building. Awning replacement must be over a sidewalk or other pedestrian walkway and made of soft vinyl or canvas. (3 points) PTS 5. Project is requested by an owner who received no property maintenance citations for the project address during the twelve months preceding the application. (1 point) PTS 6. Project involves a building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (1 point) PTS Sub Total Incentive Score PTS Merit Points: Up to three (3) additional points maybe awarded by the DWP Façade Improvement Committee for projects that address the criteria listed below, or that are of particular merit, but in no case will the total funding exceed $10,000. Project addresses the Front Façade of the building primarily. (1 pt) Project is located on Auglaize Street between Blackhoof Street and Park Street.(2pts) + PTS Total Incentive Score PTS Total Funding Eligibility = $

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11 Encouraging, Enhancing JJ Promoting a Viable, Social & Economic Downtown Distr, Enhancing & P romoting a Viable, Social & Economic Downtown District Application # Facade Improvement Program Eligibility Application The following information is needed to determine initial eligibility for the Façade Improvement Program. Detailed plans and specifications will be required after written notification of eligibility. Please carefully review the attached FIP program guidelines before completing the application. 1. Address of property to be improved: 2. Age of property Listed on National Register of Historic Places? YES NO 3. Applicant Name: 4. Applicant Address: 5. Do you own or lease the property? Own Lease (Term) 6. Owner name: 7. Owner address: 8. Is the first floor of the building to be improved currently occupied? Yes No 9. Name of Business: 10. Type of Business: Retail Service Professional Other 11. No. of Employees: Phone: For which component (s) of the program are you applying? Funding Façade Improvement (Check all that apply) Architectural Assistance 13. Brief explanation of the work proposed: Estimated Cost Mail completed application and signature page to: Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership 30 E. Auglaize St. P.O. Box 1604 Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895

12 Application Signature Page Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership 30 E. Auglaize St. P.O. Box 1604 Wapakoneta, Ohio or Applicant s agreement and signature By signing below, the applicant agrees as follows: I have read and understand the DWP Façade Improvement Programs Guidelines. I am fully aware that in order to have my project considered the project must adhere to these guidelines. If my application is approved and funding is awarded, I further agree to maintain all improvements made in accordance with the approved application in their finished state for a period of 5 years following the completion of the project or until I vacate the premises if I am a tenant, whichever comes first. Applicant s signature: Date: Owner s agreement and notarized signature, (if different than applicant) By signing below, Owner agrees as follows: I hereby certify that I am the owner of the building on which the proposed façade improvement is situated, that I have the authority to enter into this agreement, and that the applicant, in filing this facade improvement grant application, is acting with my knowledge and consent. If the application is approved and funds are awarded, I further certify that all façade improvements made to my property by virtue of the DWP Façade Improvement Program shall be maintained in their finished state for a period of 5 years following the completion of the project. Owner s signature: Date: State of } } TO WIT: County of } I HEREBY CERTIFY, that on this day of,, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public of the State and County aforesaid, personally appeared, who is personally known to me or satisfactorily proven to be the person whose name is subscribed above. My commission Expires: Notary Public Application Record Page

13 For Official Use Only: Date Received by Board: Application Number: Approved as submitted, no modifications: Approved as noted, with modifications: Denied as currently submitted: Signed: Date: (Chair, DWP Façade Improvement Program Committee)