Breakers Roadhouse, located at 149 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, is shown before and after a facade improvement project. The Marquette Downtown Development Authority received a Facade Restoration Initiative Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in 2018 and has partnered with nine property owners so far. The MDDA is now announcing a second round of competitive grant applications for the program, with a due date of July 1. (Photos courtesy of MDDA)

MARQUETTE — The Marquette Downtown Development Association is announcing limited grant funds remain available in its Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program. This allows the MDDA to hold a second competitive round of applications, with a deadline of July 1, according to an MDDA announcement.

The Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program provides financial assistance in the form of a reimbursable grant after work is completed. Grant funding requires a minimum 1:1 match, which means the MDDA/ Michigan Economic Development Corporation will contribute up to 50% of total project costs while the applicant is responsible for the remaining balance.

To be eligible for grant funding, façade projects must meet a minimum of $10,000 in total costs ($5,000 MDDA grant award and a $5,000 applicant contribution.) The maximum grant reimbursement is $30,000.

All projects must be completed and reimbursed no later than September 30, 2021.

To view an informational brochure, a copy of the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program guidelines, and the grant application, visit https://downtownmarquette.org/mdda-announces-second-round-of-downtown-facade-improvement-grant-program/.

The project stems from the Marquette Downtown Development Authority in 2018 receiving a Façade Restoration Initiative Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for $300,000. The MDDA Board of Directors also contributed matching funds of $30,000 toward the program.

Combined, this $330,000 in funding is designed to assist downtown property owners in making impactful improvements to their building façades.

So far, the MDDA has partnered with nine property owners, leveraging around $719,000 of investment into downtown properties, the announcement states.