New program will award individual grants to support curb appeal in downtown Decatur
The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the launch of the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant (CFIG) Program, a new initiative that allocates $100,000 to support projects focused on maintaining and beautifying storefronts.
“Keeping downtown Decatur vibrant doesn’t happen automatically, so we took the proactive step of launching this program to support the restaurants and retailers that make our community thrive,” said Conor McNally, DDA chair. “Whether it’s something as simple as a coat of paint or as complex as designing and installing new signage, our goal is to make sure we remain an attractive place to do business – both for our current and future retailers.”
The program will feature opportunities to apply quarterly, with the first 21-day window for applications opening on Monday, Feb. 6. The grants will cover 75% of the cost of any approved project, with a minimum contribution from the DDA of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000. Projects under the scope include:
- Masonry repairs
- Storefront reconstruction
- Exterior painting and stucco
- Awnings and canopies
- Window and door repairs and replacements
- Permanent exterior lighting
- Repair/replacement of gutters and down spouts
- Repairs to the roof (affecting the building’s facade)
- Sign design and installation
- Decking and stairs
- Improvement to outdoor seating areas and landscape
Additionally, a limited number of $1,000 microgrants will be made available for simple tasks, such as power washing or graffiti removal. These 10 grants are also subject to approval by the review committee.
Once the 21-day window is closed, the review committee will review all submissions, with applicants being notified of their status following the DDA’s meeting on Friday, March 10. Once approved, the project must begin within six months and be completed within 18 months of application approval.
“The implementation of a program like this was included in the City’s 2020 strategic plan, so it’s meaningful for us to deliver on that promise and stay aligned with the larger vision for Decatur’s 2030 goals,” added McNally.
For more information on the CFIG program and how to apply, please visit decaturga.com/cfig.
About the Decatur Downtown Development Authority
The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was founded in 1982 to implement the Decatur Town Center Plan and to provide day-to-day management of the downtown development program. Since that time, our role has expanded to include responsibility for all of Decatur’s commercial districts. The Downtown Development Authority works with the traditional, downtown business district and the Development Authority has jurisdiction over the neighborhood districts. Both Authorities share a board and staff and exist to provide assistance to prospective business owners and developers interested in investing in Decatur’s economic development plans. These programs are housed within the City’s Community & Economic Development Department.
About the City of Decatur
The City of Decatur, located just east of Atlanta and home to 25,000 people, is characterized by world class big-city business assets, progressive attitudes, highly educated residents, an accessible local government, and superb quality of life for those who live and/or work here. The city was recently listed as the 2018 Best Neighborhood in Atlanta by Creative Loafing. Decatur already is home to Emory Health Care, Agnes Scott College, Columbia Seminary, the Task Force for Global Health, and a vibrant mix of small, local professional firms.
