Jaymie Depew, communications and special project assistant, Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau

The Munising Downtown Development Authority is once again accepting applications for its facade grant program from building and business owners within the downtown district.

In 2006, the Munising DDA developed its facade grant. This year, the DDA is offering matching grants up to $2,500 toward the cost of facade improvement projects. The DDA budgets every fiscal year to help fund such projects.

Since launching the program, the DDA has awarded over 120 grants to local building and business owners. The total amount invested by the DDA over the years is over $443,000, while the total cost of projects completed is approximately $1.2 million.

The facade grant applies to the front facade of the building, as well as additional sides that are visible to the public, streetscape view and/or foot traffic. Improvement projects that qualify include removal of fake facades and window air conditioners, grills or signs; masonry cleaning and/or repair; historic element restoration; repairs and/or replacement of siding, windows, doors, signs, awnings, light fixtures; painting; shutters; planters, or other design elements; and facade elements of second floor additions.

To also qualify for a grant, applicants must have an existing active business building or a building that will house a new active business. If a facade grant is awarded to a new business, the business must remain active for a minimum of 90 days before the grant funds will be issued. The project must adhere to all city, county and state building codes and must be compliant with the city of Munising’s downtown design plan.

Completed applications along with required plans and detailed information need to be received by the DDA’s office — located at 129 E. Munising Ave., Munising — by Friday. Information required includes a picture of the existing facade, project plans, elevation changes to be made, estimated cost breakdown, name and license number (if applicable) of contractor performing work, and material specifications.

Grants will only be awarded to projects that are approved by the DDA prior to the start of the work. Project work must be completed by June 1. A written confirmation from the DDA must be obtained prior to construction. Confirmations from the DDA will be provided by March 20.

For more information, visit the Munising DDA office or call 906-387-1110.

Editor’s note: Jaymie Depew is the communications and special project assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau.