Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The  Eldorado Facade Improvement Program is offered by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce (GDCC).  Grants are available in one $1,000, two $500, or four $250 increments to commercial business owners whose physical business is located on Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL for use in facade improvement. Applicants must apply for the level of grant that most closely matches their project cost.

The use of this grant money is intended to encourage restoration of building facades and storefronts, and to compliment the current streetscape improvements that the City of Decatur has implemented on Eldorado Street.

Funding and administration of the Eldorado Facade Improvement Grant is a result of the net proceeds of the 2010 Cruisin' Eldorado event that was previously publicized.

Eligible projects will be evaluated based on grant objectives, appropriateness of design, and impact on the program area.

Definition of Facade:

For the purposes of these guidelines, the façade of a building is considered the front of a structure but may also include, at the discretion of the GDCC Grant Committee, the side and/or back of a building.

Download Program Outline and Application

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

An attractive image is of critical importance to the success of any commercial area. Façade and storefront improvements are proven to be one of the most effective approaches to enhancing a commercial area's image and economic vitality. The grant's objective is to enhance the exterior façade and visual appeal of any business located on Eldorado Street, Decatur, Illinois.

APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

Applications may be obtained at the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce office at 100 S. Water St., Suite 103, Decatur, IL 62523, or through our website here from February 1 - 27, 2012. 

The completed application is to be submitted to the Chamber office address by mail, email or fax and must include the following information:

1. Applicant identification and contact information.

2. If different from applicant, property owner identification and contact information must be submitted along with written signature signifying project approval.

3.  Property location and address.

4.  Written project description and photographs of current project condition. Professional design consultation is at applicant's expense and not covered by this Grant.

5.  Grant winners are encouraged to use other GDCC members whenever possible for their project needs.  

6.  APPLICATION DEADLINE:   February 27, 2012, 5:00 p.m.

7.   Evaluation of all applications will be conducted by the Small Business Executive Council, an existing sub-committee of the GDCC, and reviewed for completeness and conformance to grant requirements.    

8.  The grant(s) winner(s) will be contacted individually then announced on March 8, 2012 on the Chamber's website and Chamber News Notes.

9.  All work must be completed by June 1, 2012; otherwise the grant may be forfeited. Extensions may be granted only with the Grant Committee's approval and prior to the work being started.

For more information, contact Cheryl Marty at cheryl.marty@decaturchamber.com or 217-422-2200 x 105.