Marinette Facade Improvement Program application deadline nears

MARINETTE — if you have a small business or own a commercial building in the City of Marinette, you can benefit from a Facade Improvement Program (FIP) Grant. The Façade Improvement Grant Program provides $1 of City funds for $1 of private funds on eligible expenses for exterior improvements to commercial/retail buildings in the Downtown and Menekaunee Harbor areas, including businesses along Ogden and Hosmer Streets.

“This is a great way to create a more attractive and welcoming entrance for your business at half the cost,” said Jan Kust, Community Development Specialist. “Get those quotes for your facade to work on completing the application process right away and then I can answer any questions you may have.”

The goal of the FIP is to encourage improvements that stress the historic significance and uniqueness of business structures through building restoration. Upgrades include the restoration of architectural details, better windows and doors, and well-proportioned signage and lighting. The City’s financial participation would be 50% of the eligible improvement project total cost. A business could receive up to a maximum of $25,000 in grant funding.

The façade funding is targeted for Downtown/Menekaunee Harbor location enhancements that meet the application criteria, however, if no eligible applications are received, monies may be used throughout the City. Applications must be reviewed and approved first through the Façade Improvement Program Committee and then through the Common Council. When submitting the application, note that a spokesperson must be present at the FIP committee for questions (meeting time to be determined).

The deadline for application is Monday, July 1. If approved for the grant, the completion date allows for more than 12 months and invoices must be received no later than Dec. 31, 2025 for reimbursement. Work cannot begin before Council approval of the grant, in early August.

Since the overall objective of the program is to improve the exterior and presentation of the property; the FIP committee has the discretion to decline an application while suggesting enhancements that would enable future acceptance. Applicants must be current with property tax and up-to-date on any zoning code citations.

Applications are available at the City website: www.marinette.wi.us under Façade Improvement Program. Please review the qualifiers and rules before applying. Contact Jan Kust at the Community Development Office, 1905 Hall Avenue, jkust@marinette.wi.us or Phone: 715.732.5139.