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GRANTS

Fueling Local Success:
Explore Grants, Technical Assistance, and Resources to Grow on 6th Avenue.

DETAILS

The Façade Improvement Program offers a matching grant to owners or tenants (with owner permission) of commercial property on 6th Avenue, and all commercial properties within1 ½ blocks of either side of 6th Avenue that meet the following guidelines:

1. Selection to participate in the program will be based upon the application’s consistency with the goals of the program and upon commitment to proceed with the building improvement.

2. All proposals will meet with the code requirements of the City of Des Moines, and be consistent with all municipal guidelines.

3. Work must be completed within twelve (12) months of the approval of the application.

4. Each property is eligible for one matching grant per fiscal year.

5. Work must be done in a licensed and insured professional. 6. NO WORK ALREADY IN PROGRESS WILL BE FUNDED. Main Street will, upon request, provide FREE design assistance to property owners and merchants within the 6th Avenue Corridor defined district. It is not required but recommended.

Main Street will, upon request, provide FREE design assistance to property owners and merchants within MSKI’s defined district. It is not required but recommended. NOTE: this process may take up to 12 weeks.

The grant program will be administered by 6th Avenue Corridor and the Design Committee will determine eligibility and shall approve all design plans.

Grants will be allotted in amounts up to $10,000 for façade improvements or no more than 1/2 of the total project. All funds for labor or materials provided by a contractor will be paid directly to the contractor upon receipt of an invoice. Funds for materials purchased through a supplier may be requested but must be supported by a receipt of purchase. "In-kind" costs will not be allowed. All documentation must be submitted to6th Avenue Corridor upon project completion.

Examples of eligible improvements include but are not limited to:

addition or replacement of awnings
removal/replacement of existing signage exterior painting
replacement of windows or window glass
replacement of exterior doors

Examples of ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

interior improvements
exterior cleaning
vinyl awnings
tinted or custom glass
resizing of window, doors, or openings

“Rehabilitation means the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values.”

Taken from the Secretary of the Interior’s
STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION

Facade Improvement Grant Application

Design Assistance Program Details

Program Overview

The 6th Avenue Corridor (6AC) is committed to supporting local businesses by providing design assistance to help improve the exterior of storefronts. This initiative aims to enhance the district’s visual appeal, attract customers, and support business success. Through this program, eligible small business owners will receive professional design renderings and recommendations tailored to their needs and the overall design of the community.

Who Can Apply?

This program is open to:

Small business owners operating within the 6th Avenue Corridor district. (See map)
Entrepreneurs looking to open or renovate a business along the corridor.
Businesses leasing storefront spaces within the district.

Eligible Design Services

Participants may receive assistance in the following areas:

Storefront Enhancements – Façade updates, window displays, awnings, and exterior paint recommendations.
Interior Layout & Space Planning – Recommendations for maximizing interior space

Program Benefits

Free professional design consultation tailored to your business needs.
Access to potential funding opportunities for implementation (separate application required).
Enhanced business visibility and customer attraction.

How to Apply

Complete the application online
Business Review Meeting – Meet with the 6AC team to discuss needs and goals.
Design Consultation – Work with professional designers to develop recommendations.
Implementation Support – Guidance on next steps, including funding resources.

Important Notes

This is a design-only program — funding for implementation may be available separately.
Projects must align with the character and goals of the 6th Avenue Corridor revitalization efforts.

Design Technical Assistance Program

To be awarded the grant, a Façade Grant Application must be completed and approved BEFORE the project begins. Completed applications can be completed electronically, and generally are approved within 30 days of receipt of application.

For additional information, please contact the Executive Director, Jasmine Brooks at 515-855-3068

Façade Improvement Grant Application

Name of Applicant

Business Address

Project Address

Business Name

Phone

Is the applicant the project building owner?

Yes

If No, please attach a letter from the owner, expressing approval of the project proposal.

Total Estimated Project Cost

Amount of Grant Requested (min. two thirds property owner match, expressing approval of the project proposal)

Provide cost breakdowns

Proposed Start Date

Month

Day

Year

Proposed Completion Date

Month

Day

Year

Applicants have four months from acceptance of proposal to complete projects. Requests for an extension may be considered.

What is (are) the existing use(s) of the building?

Please upload detailed list of all proposed work.

Please upload drawings of proposed work.

Please upload conceptual drawings (if you have used Main Street Design Assistance)

The undersigned applicant affirms that:

A. The information submitted herein is true and accurate to the best of his/her knowledge.

B. The applicant has read and understands the conditions of the Main Street Façade Grant Program and agrees to abide by its conditions and guidelines.

Signature of Applicant

Date

Month

Day

Year