GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Gladstone businesses have an opportunity to apply for funding to make improvements, as well as to make the downtown a more vibrant place.
The City’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has set aside $30,000 for this year’s Façade Grant Program. Businesses must be located within the DDA District, and the owner must match 50% of the funding.
Façade Grant Program funding must be used on improvements that are visible from the outside of the building. Projects eligible to receive funding include awning repairs, exterior painting, masonry cleaning, placemaking elements, and window replacement.
Gladstone Community Development Coordinator Patricia West says the program incentivizes projects that will attract foot traffic and encourage more businesses to set up shop in town.
“We’ve seen a lot of momentum and growth in Downtown Gladstone in the last year and a half, and I think it’s been a lot of different efforts coming together,” West said. “Definitely the facade grant program. Many of them have been new businesses with people who just have a love for Gladstone. Part of that is also our Farmers Market, which has really thrived this season and doubled in size. There’s a lot to be offered in Gladstone right now.”
Façade Grant Program applications close on October 31. The application and full eligibility requirements can be found at gladstonemi.gov/dda.
