City of Antioch launches storefront Façade Improvement Program

W. 2nd Street storefronts could benefit by the program. Herald file photo.

Invests in the beautification of commercial corridors citywide

The City of Antioch has created a Façade Improvement Program (FIP). The program will provide building and business owners with an opportunity to improve their building’s storefront with a financial incentive. The program was created to encourage private investment and to beautify business curb appeal in commercial areas. The FIP program is reimbursable after receipts and project is completed. The FIP allows for improvements to signage, awnings, paint, and other storefront enhancements. Businesses will be able to apply for the program starting December 1st thru the Economic Development Department. Guidelines and applications are available now online and on the first floor at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street Downtown.

The FIP offers two funding options: Opportunity 1 offers up to 100% of the first $2,500 of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant amount of $5,000. This program is for commercial buildings within the Downtown Area & standalone buildings in other areas of the City. In addition to the abovementioned grant, the City will reimburse applicants up to five hundred dollars ($500) for architect services used for the FIP improvement design.

Opportunity 2 is designed for the City’s Commercial Shopping Centers. This grant programing covers a reimbursable grant of two‐thirds (67%) of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The cost of the improvement work must be more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

“We are excited to provide a program focusing on investing in our local businesses and existing commercial buildings,” said Kwame Reed, City of Antioch Economic Development Director. “This is a great opportunity for public private partnerships throughout all of Antioch’s commercial areas.”

Completed applications shall be submitted to the Economic Development Department. Improvements must comply with all City building codes, permitting, and sign standards. Projects must be completed within 6 months of grant approval.

The program offers two funding options and an architect design service reimbursement for Downtown and Freestanding Buildings.

  1. Downtown and Freestanding Buildings Citywide – Opportunity 1 is for commercial buildings within the Downtown Specific Plan Area & buildings in other areas of the City that are considered freestanding. This grant programing covers up to 100% of the first $2,500 of eligible project costs or two-thirds (67%) of eligible project costs, in excess of $2,500 up to a maximum grant amount of $5,000. The City defines a freestanding building as is unattached or separate from any other structure or support, standing alone or on its own foundation. The maximum funding available for the program is $25,000. Design review is required for exterior alterations. For Opportunity 1 projects, the City will reimburse applicants five hundred dollars ($500) for architect services used for the FIP improvement. Architect services must be performed by a licensed professional. The funding for the architectural services can only be allocated with a FIP application.
  2. Commercial Shopping Centers – Opportunity 2 is designed for the City’s Commercial Shopping CentersThis grant programing covers a reimbursable grant of two‐thirds (67%) of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of a ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The total cost of the improvement work must be more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The City defines a Shopping Center as a collection of two or more independent retail stores or spaces, services, restaurants, with a shared parking area. The maximum funding for this program is $30,000.

For further information visit our website: https://www.antiochca.gov/economic-development/facade-improvement-program/ or contact Economic Development Program Manager, Lizeht Zepeda  at econdevelopment@Antiochca.gov or by phone: (925) 779-7012 or (925) 779-6168.

 


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W. 2nd Street storefronts


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