Whitesburg, KY – Pine Mountain Partnership is executing on the downtown revitalization plan created by Downtown Strategies in partnership with Kentucky Power, One East Kentucky, and City of Whitesburg.
Whitesburg Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) is a program recommended by consultants Downtown Strategies in their revitalization plan.
Grants are reimbursement based, up to $1,000 for eligible projects like exterior paint,
pressure washing, window displays, and more.
Applications are being accepted through Oct. 11, 2024, and work must be completed within 6 months of the award.
Extra points are given for completing a consultation with Pine Mountain Partnership PRIOR to work beginning.
Properties along Main St. from the corner of Bentley Ave, including Webb St., to the corner of Main and E Main, then along E Main to 104 E Main St. are eligible.
Selection of awarded projects is made by a committee established from the Downtown Strategies planning process plus one (1) City councilmember.
Funding for these improvements is provided by City of Whitesburg.
“Special thank you to Mayor Tiffany Craft and the City Council for the support and for investing in the revitalization of Whitesburg’s Historic Downtown Business District. Another thank you to EKY Heritage Foundation for supporting us as fiscal sponsor for this program.”, said Jeffery Justice, Executive Director of Pine Mountain Partnership.
For more information, including the full program guidelines and application, please
visit www.pmp-ky.com/whitesburg-fig
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Whitesburg Façade Improvement Grant Guidelines
The Whitesburg Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) provides grants to commercial property owners and business owners interested in renovating the exterior of their structures.
The goal of this program is to encourage property owners and businesses to improve the exterior of their
buildings and storefronts to beautify the targeted area.
This is a matching program where property owners and businesses can receive up to $1,000 of the cost of
the project back as a reimbursement.
This program is subject to available funding, applications will not be approved without appropriate funding in place first to assure prompt payment to building owner or business.
Eligible Applicants
Any building owner or tenant of a commercial building located in the “Central Business District” of Whitesburg is eligible to apply. All applications from building tenants require the signature and approval of the building owner.
Exterior improvements must be completed within 6-9 months of award. If awarded, the award letter will include deadline for when the work needs to be completed.
Eligible Boundary
Buildings along Whitesburg’s “Central Business District” – Main St from the corner of Bentley Ave, including Webb St, to the corner of Main and E Main, then along E Main ending at 104 E Main St.
Eligible Improvements
Eligible costs (to be reimbursed by grant) have to be improvements on the visible exterior of commercial properties. Improvements can include attached signage, building entrances, lighting, doors, windows, awning, brick, art murals, stone, tuck- pointing, brick friendly paint, or other building surfaces material.
Additionally, flexibility will be given for façade improvements that incorporate design elements to promote community (e.g. windows that allow unobstructed views inside the building, curated window displays, exterior lighting, utilizing pre-approved color pallets)
Permitting fees for this work, when required, are also eligible.
Ineligible Improvements
Site improvements such as parking lots, paving, raised planters and planting areas, street trees, detached signage, fencing and railings, roof repairs and improved pedestrian amenities including sidewalks, or benches are ineligible. These types of improvements can be counted as the building or business owners’ contribution but cannot be reimbursed by the grant. The use of vinyl siding is also ineligible.
Grants cannot be used retroactively for building improvements already completed.
All related construction and improvements to be supported by the program must occur after the grant has been awarded. Apartment rental properties and buildings that have a primary purpose as a place of worship are ineligible for grant funding.
Commercial buildings that house establishments related to gambling, gun stores, adult bookstores, etc. are not eligible for the program.
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Application Requirements:
The online application includes questions about the applicant, commercial building, and planned improvements. Before you begin an application, ensure that you have consulted Pine Mountain Partnership (PMP) for guidance. Applications with a letter stating that you have consulted with PMP will
score higher to receive an award.
Supplementary documentation will be required (as attachments) and include the following documents:
- Construction Estimates from the contractor or business likely to do the façade improvements.
- Detailed project budget outlining the breakdown of construction costs and financing/sources
of funds to complete the project. - Proof of financial ability to complete project which can include bank statements, or letter from
a bank attesting to funds sufficient to cover the cost of façade improvements. - Photos of the building in jpeg format (please, no PDFs).
- Support letter from Pine Mountain Partnership.
- Drawings of the improvements to be completed (if available).
If you would like a consultation, please contact Jeffery Justice at jeffery@pmp-ky.com.
Grant Program Timeline: The Whitesburg FIG Program typically opens for applications twice a year.
Below is the timeline:
- During each grant round, the online application remains open between 4-6 weeks.
- After the application closes, the review committee will review applications and make award decisions
over the following 2-3 weeks. - After the review period, applicants will be notified if their project was awarded, grant amount, and grant
deadline. If the project is declined grant funding, applicant will also be notified. - If awarded, we will setup a meeting with PMP and applicant to ensure clear understanding of the
responsibilities of all parties. - Following the meeting, grant recipient will sign an award letter with the grant details, project deadline and
expectations. - We will sign a grant agreement.
- The grant recipient is required to give bi-monthly updates to PMP throughout the construction process.
- After the improvements are completed, the grant recipient will need to provide copies of receipts/paid
invoices, proof of payment (copy of checks or bank statements), and photos of completed work to PMP to
review and approve. A completed impact survey will also be required. - PMP will release of grant funds. The grant funds will be provided to the grant recipient.
The following is the criteria the committee will be using to evaluate applications:
- Projects that support small business retention & expansion;
- Projects that incorporate design elements to promote community (e.g. windows that allow unobstructed views inside the building, exterior lighting, utilizing pre-approved color pallets);
- Exterior improvements with high quality design and/or value based on recognized professional standards or best practices;
- Projects that align with design standards, when applicable, which may include historic preservation;
- For vacant commercial properties, having an identified end use (office, retail, etc.) and tenants secured (at least a letter of intent); and Projects that have a clear construction timeline and can be completed in 6 months;
- Project unable to move forward without at least 50% funded with a grant.