Marquette DDA announces new Downtown Facade Improvement Grant program

MARQUETTE — The Marquette Downtown Development Authority recently announced the creation of a new grant program that will help properties and businesses make exterior upgrades.

The Downtown Facade Improvement Grant program will provide financial support to property and business owners looking to upgrade storefronts. The program offers a 1:2 match for downtown projects that cost a minimum of $3,000, and a maximum reimbursement of $5,000.

These projects could include repairing or replacing doors, windows and awnings, as well as masonry or other improvements to a building’s exterior. The initiative was created in order to create an inspired investment into downtown Marquette.

“Not only does it improve the property value of that specific property, but, overall, if other property owners participate as well, it revitalizes downtown,” said Rebecca Salmon, the assistant director of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority. “Studies have shown that facade improvement projects such as this, and upgrades that are made to properties are likely to increase not only customer traffic and sales revenues, but also rental revenues and property values.”

To qualify for the grant, projects must be permanent, physical improvements to a building’s exterior, meet all building and zoning requirements and fit into the larger context of neighboring buildings. All projects must be approved by the DDA board.

Funding will be allocated annually, with grants awarded on a competitive, first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information or to obtain an application packet, you can also contact Salmon directly at becky@downtownmarquette.org or visit the DDA office at 203 S. Front Street, Suite 1-B.