The Ishpeming DDA is offering business located within the City of Ishpeming Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District the opportunity to apply for the 2021 Facade Improvement Grant Program.

Applications are due April 5 and can be downloaded from the City of Ishpeming website under the DDA tab. The total grant amount is $10,000 and will be based on a 1:1 match. Multiple grants may be awarded but the total grant money distributed will not exceed $10,000 in this cycle.

Grants will be awarded to eligible businesses with approved applications, a $50 fee is due upon submittal. Application packets are also available at the GINCC office located in front of Jubilee Foods, 900 U.S. Hwy 41 W.

According to the Ishpeming DDA the grants were established to stimulate commercial investment. There are no specific design criteria but the DDA does recognize the importance of maintaining the historic integrity of the downtown district. Business within the core of downtown will receive a 10-point bonus when scoring.

The application process has nine steps which the scope and design of the project will be considered. Ineligible uses of the grant funds are also outlined in the application process.

The Ishpeming DDA will review, score and make the final decision on the awarding of the grants. Considered in the review process will be the quality and impact of the project, historical/architectural significance of the building, visual prominence and location of project in relation of downtown.

Projects to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act will also be considered.

Proposed projects must be open to access for inspection by the Ishpeming DDA during and after the construction to make sure it is complying with the proposal. Projects must also meet applicable permitting requirements, be in good standing with the City and insured. The DDA reserves the right to deny any or all applications for improvement grants.

The Ishpeming DDA established the design guidelines in 2008 to provide a basis for prioritizing projects. By upgrading the appearance of Ishpeming through this program the community will be more attractive to local residents, tourists and potential investors.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit our website at www.gincc.org, give us a call or stop in. Office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. We are at times out of office on Chamber business. Please call ahead to confirm a visit, 906-486-1111.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.