City of Stanwood Storefront Improvement Program 2023 (Washington)

The City of Stanwood is now accepting applications for its Storefront Improvement Program to improve the look and feel of downtown Stanwood for residents and tourists shopping in the city.

Donor Name: City of Stanwood

State: Washington

City: Stanwood

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 04/07/2023

Size of the Grant: Up to $20,000

Details:

Mission

The mission of the Storefront Improvement Program is to generate additional business revenue by stimulating private investment in the downtown to make the business and surrounding communities more attractive.

The Storefront Improvement Program seeks to preserve and enhance the charm of the downtown commercial retail area, while also encouraging investment in downtown, through visual and physical improvements to storefront buildings. The Storefront Improvement Program will assist with their economic development efforts, city beautification efforts, and to follow their comprehensive plan goals.

This program is designed to provide financial incentives to businesses and building owners to improve their building facades in keeping with the city’s goals to preserve and promote Stanwood as the commercial heart of the greater Stanwood – Camano region.

Goals

  • Preserve and beautify the downtown district.
  • Encourage and stimulate investment in private property.
  • Foster community ownership and commitment to revitalization.

Funding Information

  • Variable amounts up to $20,000
  • Matching Funds: 1:1 match, up to the maximum grant amount of $20,000 (Example: If you are requesting a $1,000 grant award, this will require a minimum $2,000 total project cost. If you are requesting a $5,000 grant award, this will require a minimum $10,000 total project cost. If you are requesting a $20,000 grant award, this will require a minimum $40,000 total project cost).

Eligibility Criteria

  • Business/building must be located in the Downtown Revitalization Improvement District.
  • Allowed business types: Office, retail, mixed use, commercial service
  • Business must have continuous pedestrian activity and mixed-use buildings with retail must have street frontage
  • Business owner(s) and property owner(s) (if different individuals) must agree in writing to the project and improvements
  • Business owner(s) and property owner(s) (if different individuals) shall agree to maintain the improvements to the property for a minimum of a five-year period

Eligible Uses

Eligible façade expenses may include but are not limited to rehabilitation, reconstruction, or restoration to existing commercial building facades, including:

  • Signage
    • Main frontage signs
    • Pedestrian signs
  • Paint (color palette provided)
  • Streetscapes
    • Seating
    • Lighting
    • Tables and chairs
    • Landscaping
    • Other: public art, signs, etc.
  • Awnings
    • Vinyl, metal, synthetic, acrylic
  • Doors and windows
  • Creative and imaginative exterior elements
    • Murals
    • Historic building features
    • Maintenance of historic features

For more information, visit City of Stanwood.