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See if our Façade Improvement Program is right for you by reading below, or contact us to ask about available properties in the district!
Midland Center City Façade Improvement Program
PURPOSE
The City of Midland’s Center City Authority Commercial Corridor Façade Improvement Program (FIP) provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and business owners in the Center City Authority for qualified improvements to the exteriors of their properties.
The purpose of the FIP is to support the beautification and economic revitalization of the Center City Authority commercial corridor by stimulating private investment in high-quality improvements that enhance the appearance of buildings and properties and eliminate blight and non-conforming design standards.
HISTORY
The Façade Improvement Program got its start in Fall 2014 through a generous $150,000 grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Entrance Ways Initiative Fund. In May 2019, the FIP fund was replenished by a $100,000 contribution from a $1 million-dollar economic development grant gifted to the Center City Authority by Dow in Fall 2017 and a matching $100,000 grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation.
Since 2015, more than 20 Center City properties in Midland have benefited from the Facade Improvement Plan.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
The FIP provides up to $5,000 in matching grant and up to $10,000 in matching interest-free loan funds (totaling $15,000) for eligible Center City properties every seven (7) years.
While the Façade Improvement Program is intended to help property owners refresh their properties, improve the aesthetics of the corridor, and inspire additional property improvements, funds received from this program is not "free money". Participation in the program requires a matching investment by the tenant, business, or property owner to qualify. Applicants can secure additional financing in any manner they choose, including a commercial mortgage, signature loan, home equity loan, personal or business line of credit, family loan, personal resources, or business cash.
Program recipient Great Lakes Investments, 135 N. Saginaw Road
Funds received through the program can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
Façade improvements (exterior painting/resurfacing, door/window replacement, entrance updating, etc.)
Landscaping (projects must bring sites up to compliance or exceed existing ordinances to be eligible)
Exterior lighting
Street access improvements
Signage updates
Site accessories (railings, benches, retaining walls, etc.)
Case Studies: See the Façade Improvement Program in Action
Wondering how a grant or interest-free loan could improve the aesthetics of your business? Read the case studies below to see what other Center City businesses have done with monies provided through the Façade Improvement Program!
Case Study: Village Green
Village Green leveraged $15,000 from the Façade Improvement Program to transform its curb appeal.
Case Study: Midland Towne Center
Midland Towne Center used a Façade Improvement Grant to spruce up its entryways and improve landscaping.
Case Study: Domino’s
A CCA grant from the Façade Improvement Program helped Domino’s create a storefront that customers love.
Downloads & Other Info
Have a project in mind for the program, but need to pitch the idea to your landlord, franchise team, investors, or supervisor? No problem! Download the “FIP Promotional Packet” for a one-page introductory piece and the three case studies you see above.
Want to read the fine print? Please do! Click the button to the right to download the complete Façade Improvement Program guidelines document, which details all requirements, expectations, and terms.
Ready to get started? Click the button below to access the online application.