The City of Dublin is no longer accepting applications for its Commercial Façade Improvement Program at this time.

For more information, please email Sara O’Malley at somalley@dublin.oh.us

In 2018, Dublin City Council approved two applications for the inaugural Commercial Facade Improvements Program. The program aims to help improve the exterior of commercial and publicly used buildings in Historic Dublin. The three properties that received grants in 2018 are located at 53 North High Street, 24 South High Street and 113 South High Street.

The building at 113 South High Street underwent improvements to its roof, parking area and the walkway. The existing roof was updated, seven new parking spaces were added to the rear of the building and the parking lot was paved. A pedestrian walkway was also added, connecting Mill Street and High Street. Both the walkway and the new roof were updated to match the character of Historic Dublin.

The property at 24 South High Street also received a new roof. The asphalt shingles were replaced with a steel roofing. Additionally, new downspouts and gutters were added to the building.

At 53 North High Street, the main focus of the renovation was to the walkway along North Street. The concrete walkway along the side of the building bordering North Street was removed and a paved, brick walkway was added leading into the building. This update helped to improve the aesthetics of the area and to enhance the continuity between Historic Dublin and this property.

The front of 113 South High Street on Sept. 14, 2018, before improvements began on the property.

113 South High Street after improvements were finished on the property. The roof was updated on the building.

The rear of 113 South High Street on Sept. 14, 2018, before improvements began on the property.

The new, updated rear of 113 South High Street on June 14, 2019, after improvements to the property were completed. The black building in this photo was added by the owner of the property and was not a part of the Commercial Façade Improvement grant.

The concrete walkway at 53 North High Street before construction began on Sept. 14, 2018.

The new brick walkway leading into 53 North High Street on June 27, 2019.

The roof of 24 South High Street after improvements were complete.

The roof prior to improvements of 24 South High Street.

COMMERCIAL FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Commercial Façade Improvement Program is designed to encourage private investment in property renovations and overall building improvements that enhance the quality and character of Historic Dublin. The program will share the costs of improving commercial building exteriors and publicly used amenities that improve the vibrancy of the Historic Core. The City of Dublin will provide matching grants to property owners or tenants who would otherwise not be able to make these improvements without financial assistance.

BROCHURE GUIDELINES

Eligibility

Commercial, mixed-use, non-profit and non-for-profit organization (holding valid 501(C) status with the IRS) properties within the boundaries of Historic Dublin (see map below). Government operating buildings are not eligible.

Grant Amount

• Up to 50% of the total eligible project costs, not to exceed $15,000.
• Projects must have a minimum of $5,000 ($10,000 total project cost).
• Grantees will be reimbursed at the conclusion of the project after certification of costs and verification of compliance with approved plans.

Application Requirement

• Property owners or tenants are eligible to apply.
• Tenants must have written approval by property owner.
• Property owner/tenants must be current on all municipal taxes, utility bills, City Codes and property maintenance or projects that bring their property maintenance into compliance.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS & CRITERIA

Eligible Projects

Criteria

• Routine repairs or maintenance are NOT eligible unless the repairs represent major improvements that contribute to structural longevity.
• Projects must comply with application Zoning Code requirements and the Historic Dublin Design Guidelines.
• Projects must gain all necessary zoning and building permit approvals prior to proceeding with work.
• Use of a qualified architect or design with expertise in historic structures encouraged.
• Design fees not to exceed 10% of total project costs unless granted (% charged by architect or Construction Company for project).
• Priority given to projects that result in comprehensive restoration or improvement to the entire building or façade.

General Improvements List

• Uncovering and restoration of historical facades.
• Replacement/repair of cornice, parapets, shutters and other architectural features.
• Removal of inappropriate façade materials.
• Addition of appropriate detailing which leads to a substantially enhanced appearance.
• Site and landscape improvements in areas that are open and accessible to the public.
• Window repair or replacement – if returned to original historical character.
• Door repair or replacement – if returned to original historical character.
• Tuck pointing
• Exterior painting
• Awning installation or replacement
• Installation and improvement of signs
• Installation of decorative lighting and upgrading of existing fixtures on external facades
• Storefront restoration or renovation
• Parking improvements (striping, paving, signage, etc.), new parking additions and shared parking arrangements
• Projects that increase accessibility
• Projects that promote sustainability that is historically sensitive
• Roof replacement must include additional façade improvements

Ineligible Projects

• Cost of new construction or routine maintenance
• Projects that commence before City of Dublin approval of grant
• Projects that commence prior to gaining required zoning and building permit approval

Decision Criteria

General

• Amount requested will be compared with available funds.
• Projects will be required against the criteria outlined below.
• Projects with the highest rankings will receive priority in the awarding of grant monies.
• Grant monies may be reduced if projects or portions of projects are deemed ineligible or requested funding amount is not available.
• Priority will be given to projects that result in comprehensive restoration, are highly visibility, and impact the public street.

The following criteria will be taken into account:

• Instances where an immediate renovation would stop serious deterioration of the building’s façade and where historic or architecturally significant feature contributing to the building’s character are in danger of being lost
• Projects that would restore the historic features of a building
• Projects that would improve the architectural integrity of a building
• Projects that demonstrate the ability to attract people to Historic Dublin
• Projects that would result in significant new investment and the creation of jobs in Historic Dublin
• Projects involving buildings with vacant or underutilized spaces where the overall marketability of the building would be improved
• Project that incorporate a mixed of uses or multiple tenants
• Applications that demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to complete a project

Grant requirements

• Owner/tenant shall comply with all provisions of the Dublin Codified Ordinances and Ohio Building Code.
• Applicants must gain all zoning and building permits approvals prior to project commencement.
• Projects must be completed within 180 days of grant approval, or receive permission from the City for additional time.
• All projects will be inspected by the City for interior and exterior compliance.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One: Pre-application Meeting

Applicants are required to schedule a pre-application meeting with staff to review the scope of work and drawings. To request a preliminary meeting, please contact:

Commercial Façade Improvement Program
5800 Shier Rings Road
Dublin, Ohio 43017
614.410.4618
FacadeImprovement@Dublin.oh.us

Step Two: Façade Improvement Application Submittal

Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis. Applicants shall be required to submit:

• Completed Commercial Façade Improvement Program Application.
• Estimated budget with detailed line items (including a contingency of up to 10% for each line item) and financing options.
• Pictures, site plans, architectural rendering and/or other visual representations of the proposed improvements.

Step Three: Project Approval Process

• Applications will be reviewed and accepted based on the complete submission and eligibility requirements outlined above. Applicants will be notified of incomplete and ineligible applications.
• Upon acceptance, applications will be reviewed and ranked based on the Decision Criteria listed above.
• Decision letters awarding funding will be sent to all applicants within 21 days of application submission.
• Applications will submit and gain any necessary zoning and building permit approvals prior to project commencement.
• Projects are expected to begin within 60 days of zoning and building permit approval and completed within 180 days.

Step Four: Project Completion & Grant Reimbursement

City Staff will conduct a review of projects upon completion for compliance with zoning and building permit approval. For a project to be considered complete and eligible for reimbursement, applicant must:

• Obtain all applicable building permits and pass all building inspections relating to the projects.
• Submit a completed W-9.
• Submit third-party receipts or invoices to the City of Dublin that match the project description and final budget. If other building improvements were made in conjunction with the façade improvements, separate cost summaries related to the façade improvements must be provided. In-kind contributions are not eligible unless prior written approval is provided to the City of Dublin.
• Receive City of Dublin verification of work.

HISTORIC DUBLIN MAP