Westbrook Downtown Facade Improvement Program
Program Overview
The City of Westbrook administers the Downtown Façade Improvement Program to provide financial assistance to downtown businesses and property owners who wish to make physical improvements to the exterior of their buildings in Westbrook’s downtown district.
The program is a reimbursement program, and approved projects can be reimbursed for half (50%) of eligible project costs up to $15,000 per project. These funds can be used for a variety of façade improvement activities listed in the “Eligible Projects” section in the Program Overview. Examples include: signage, awnings, storefront improvements, restoration, lighting, ADA improvements and more.
To apply to the Downtown Façade Improvement Program, read the Westbrook Downtown Façade Program Overview and complete the Westbrook Downtown Façade Application linked below. Submit your materials to the Economic Development Department.
If your application meets the program criteria, you will be conditionally approved and you must submit necessary sign or building permits with the Code Enforcement office. The program cannot accept applications for work that has already been completed.
Application Materials:
Westbrook Downtown Facade Program Overview
Westbrook Downtown Facade Application
Village Review Overlay Standards
Lien Waiver
W9
Program Guidelines and Eligibility
- The grant applicant shall be either the property owner or tenant. A tenant shall have the property owner’s signed approval in the application.
- The building owner shall provide proof of ownership. Tenant shall provide proof of current lease or occupancy
- All property taxes for the applying entity must be current.
- A Downtown Façade Improvement Program grant may only be made to any property downtown as delineated on the Downtown Façade Improvement map and has at least one street level, front facing commercial use (map below).
- Grant funds will be paid directly to program applicants when the project is complete and the following documents are received by the Economic Development Department: W-9, contractor invoices, proof of payment, and signed lien waiver.
- Grant funds cannot be used towards City permit fees or design costs.
- All projects shall be completed within one (1) year of award. A request for an extension may be granted if the delay is due to a legitimate cause. Written request for an extension shall occur before the 1-year deadline has elapsed.
- The applicant shall submit three (3) bids from contractors for their project(s). Two bids are acceptable if the applicant can demonstrate attempts for a third bid were unsuccessful.
- Contractor(s) and sub-contractor(s) shall be insured and are required to sign a lien waiver upon completion of work.
- An applicant may apply consecutively provided the project(s) meet program eligibility and is not duplicative.
Eligible Projects
- Signage
- Awnings
- Storefront improvements
- Restoration of original/historic windows, doors, and trim where applicable
- Repair or replacement of windows, doors, and trim
- Cleaning and/or painting of surfaces
- Cleaning and/or repointing of surface brick or stone
- Removing paint from brick or stone
- Exterior lighting
- Removal of “modernization” alterations/additions
- Cleaning and repair or installation of approved siding
- Landscapes/hardscapes
- Increased accessibility for ADA compliance
- ***Interior leasehold improvements may be eligible for applicant match if the improvements are part of larger project that includes exterior façade improvements. In such a project, no less than 50% of applicant’s funds shall be spent on exterior improvements. For example, if $1,000 of applicant’s funds were matched by $1,000 of City funds, a minimum of $500 of applicant’s funds shall be spent only on exterior work.***
- Other: Explain how the proposed project fits in with the spirit of the program.
Submit your application materials to the Economic Development Department in person, email or mail:
City of Westbrook
Monique Cornett, Economic Development
2 York St
Westbrook, ME 04092
mcornett@westbrook.me.us