Downtown Façade and Building Stabilization Program

Downtown Façade and Building Stabilization Program

Downtown Façade and Building Stabilization Program

• Combines the Downtown Façade Grant Program and the Parramore Façade and Building Stabilization Grant Program

• New program will replace these existing programs

• Created to open funding opportunities for building improvements to entire CRA, and provide for greater accessibility to funds

Overview of Program Parameters

• Funding– CRA to provide 50% up to max. amount per Applicant– Eola, Uptown and CBD Planning Areas

• SF Residential & Duplex: $5,000 max per property• All Others: $20,000 max

– Parramore Heritage Planning Area• SF Residential and Duplex

– $5,000 max for façade only– $10,000 max for façade and building stabilization per property

• All Others– $20,000 max for façade only– $40,000 max for façade and building stabilization

Overview of Program Parameters

• Three – year deferred loan structure

• Grant based on the lowest of 3 contractor estimates

• Limit of one grant per property owner/tenant per year

• Funds available CRA – wide

• All properties contributing to the CRA via ad valorem tax payment

• Criminal background check

Funded Items– Façade Rehabilitation (All CRA Planning Areas)

• Removal of non-contributing false facades• Building cleaning (non-sandblasting)• Stucco restoration• Tuck pointing masonry• Painting• Replacement or reconstructive woodwork• New doors and windows• Restoration of historically appropriate doors, windows, or building features• Signs, awnings, and canopies (must be associated with other façade improvements)• Exterior lighting

– Building Stabilization (Parramore Heritage Planning Area only)• Roof repair and/or replacement• Interior structural improvements (e.g. floor joists, ceiling repairs)• Building systems improvements (e.g. plumbing, electric, HVAC)• Fencing to secure the property

– Must be associated with other improvements– Must be consistent with City Code– Must be consistent with CPTED Guidelines

• Hardscape improvements• Other approved building stabilization improvements

Review Process

• The Façade Grant Review Committee will review and make recommendations regarding the applications.

• The Façade Grant Review Committee will be comprised of:– Assistant Director of the DDB/CRA– Representative from the City Planning Division– City’s Historic Preservation Officer

Criteria for Review• Committee will review applications based on the following

criteria: Level of deterioration of building materials and finishes Improvement to the appearance of the site Consistency of proposed building design with the Downtown Design Guidelines Contribution to cultural activities or opportunities Contribution to historic rehabilitation or restoration Will serve as a catalyst for redevelopment Consistency with the context and character of the remainder of the block and/or

surrounding properties Incorporation of sustainable materials and/or methods Business or resident tenure in Downtown Orlando Assessment of the balance of building façade and stabilization elements in the

application (Parramore Heritage Planning Area only) Assessment of the proposed modifications for consistency with ARB or HPB standards

(for Single-Family and Duplex properties not requiring formal ARB or HPB approval) Amount of additional contribution to the project by Applicant

Review Process

• If Committee recommends Approval for $5,000 or less:– Executive Director of the CRA may approve and

execute the Funding Agreement on behalf of the CRA

• If Committee recommends Approval for more than $5,000:– The application’s draft Funding Agreement will be

forwarded to the CRA for final approval and authorization to execute

Map of Example Properties

5

6

CBD Eola Parramore Heritage Uptown

12

4

9

3

7

8

10

1: Central Business District

2: Central Business District

3: Uptown

4: Uptown

5: Parramore Heritage

6: Parramore Heritage

7: Parramore Heritage

8: Eola

9: Eola

10: Eola

Staff Recommendation

Staff requests the CRA repeal the prior policies related to the Downtown Façade Grant Program and the Parramore Commercial Façade & Building Stabilization Grant Program, and approve a two-year pilot program of the new combined program, the Downtown Façade and Building Stabilization Program and related Guidelines as well as authorize the Executive Director of the CRA to approve and sign Funding Agreements on behalf of the CRA for applications seeking assistance totaling $5,000 or less.