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Grants / Loans
Façade, Awning, and Storefront Sign Grants
To encourage businesses and property owners to invest in their property, make visible improvements to their storefronts, and contribute to the continued improvement of Downtown Waukesha both visually and economically, including aiding in the attraction, growth, and retention of businesses, the City has created the Downtown Façade, Awning, and Storefront Signage Matching Grant Program. This grant program provides matching funds (can cover up to 50% of a project cost) for the following types of projects:
Façade Renovation/Repair
These funds can be use for the repair or replacement of original materials and decorative details that are missing, deteriorated, or have been covered up with other materials. Other eligible activities include: cleaning of exterior surfaces, tuck pointing or other masonry repairs, repair or replacement of entry doors and windows, and repairs and/or alterations for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Façade matching grants are available for up to $10,000 depending on fund availability, project cost, and impact on downtown.
Awning Grant
These matching grant funds can be used to install or repair awnings on downtown buildings. Awning grants are available up to $500 per awning unit to a maximum of $1,000. An awning unit is considered to be 20 lineal feet of awning.
Storefront Signage Grant
These funds can be used for any type of permanent signage on the exterior of a building (including window decals/clings). Sign grants are available up to $500 per exterior sign and $150 for window graphics for a total of $650 per
business.
Landmarks Commission Paint & Repair Grant
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission has created the Landmarks Commission Paint and Repair Grant Program. Through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the Commission awards matching grand funds for repairs and painting of landmarks and properties within the City's several historic districts.
Eligibility
To be eligible for these matching grant funds your property must either be a Local Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or located within one of the City's nine (9) Historic Districts. All projects must also be reviewed and approved by the Landmarks Commission.
Grant Awards
Grant awards are based on fund availability, project cost and scope, and overall impact on preserving Waukesha's history. Each grant award is at the discretion of the Landmarks Commission.
The Waukesha Redevelopment Authority (RDA) created the Rental Rehab Loan Program through a Housing Development Action Grant (HODAG) to create an incentive for landlords to make exterior and life safety improvements to residential rental property in targeted areas of the City and on gateway streets leading to downtown Waukesha.
Eligibility
Landlords must rent and affirmatively market units to tenants at or below 80% of the Waukesha County Median Income Level (CMI). Income verification for tenants is required before loan approval by the Redevelopment Authority.
Loan
Types
1-3 Unit Loans - Owners of rental property with three (3) or fewer units are eligible for low interest (1/2 of Prime Rate) deferred payment loans. Deferred payment loans means there are no payments until the property is sold, transferred, or refinanced.
4 Units and Up Loans - Owners of rental property with four (4) or more units are eligible for low interest (1/2 of Prime Rate) installment loans. There is a 25% owner match on all loans of this type.