Uptown Facade Improvement Program

The City of Marysville has created the Uptown Facade Improvement Program to stimulate commercial building improvements located in the Uptown Commercial Zoning District, or elsewhere as deemed appropriate by the committee. The program funding is to assist private investment with high quality historically accurate improvements. Improvement efforts are to be in line with the revitalization of historic Uptown Marysville, the City adopted Uptown Revitalization Plan, and the Design Guidelines of Historic Uptown Marysville, Ohio.

If required, all projects that receive funding must apply and receive Certificate of Appropriateness approval from the Design Review Board (DRB). Projects which commence prior to City and DRB approval are not eligible.

Funding

Grants are available to cover up to 50% of the total eligible project costs, not to exceed $25,000. Grants up to $70,000 (amount recently increased) may be considered for economically significant projects (high investment, positive community impact, innovation, job creation, etc.). The applicant must use private non-City funds to match the City’s grant. Grantees will be reimbursed at the conclusion of the project, after certification of project costs and verification of compliance with the approved plans.

Applicants

Applicants can be property owners or tenants. Government properties are not eligible for funding from this program. Tenants must have written approval from property owners to participate in the program. Property owners/tenants must be up to date on all municipal taxes, utility bills, City Codes (occupancy permits on file) and property maintenance relating to the business and/or building prior to participation in the program. The program is not intended to pay for business specific improvements unless the improvements are permanent and historically significant to the building.

Eligible Projects

Commercial and mixed-use structures within the boundaries of the Uptown Commercial Zoning District or "target area" are eligible for funding. Buildings used solely for residential purposes are not eligible. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, window/door repair or replacement, exterior cleaning, restoration/renovation of facade, and fire suppression.

Requirements

The property owner/tenant shall comply with all applicable provisions of the City of Marysville Codified Ordinances and Ohio Building Code. By submitting an application to the program, the property owner/tenant agrees to allow the City and/or County Building Department to inspect the interior and exterior of the building for code compliance.

Additionally, applicants must submit an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the DRB. All necessary board approvals must be acquired before a project begins.

The grant agreement stipulates that the improvements must be constructed within 180 days of approval. Matching grant funds will only be disbursed to the applicant once construction of the approved improvements has been completed, project costs have been verified, and the improvements have been inspected by City staff.

2023 Program Schedule

  • Program Open Date: February 28, 2023
  • Application Due Date: Applications accepted on the first Monday of each month until all funding is disbursed
  • Grant Awards Announced: The second Friday of each month an application has been submitted