Title/Name/Summary
Appearance Improvement Grant (Façade Improvement Program) - Renewal Discussion
History
In 1998, the Village Board approved the first non-residential façade improvement program known as the Old Orland Façade Improvement Program. The Old Orland Façade Improvement Program was primarily intended to address the appearance of historic non-residential buildings in Old Orland along 143rd Street. This was done in anticipation of an eventual widening of 143rd Street, a new planned downtown area, and a new Metra commuter station (143rd Street Station). By 2006, this program was expanded to include all contributing structures in the Old Orland Historic District.
In 2009, the program was revised to include additional buildings along 143rd Street between West Avenue and LaGrange Road to address commercial buildings across from the downtown area. The program was renamed the Commercial Façade Improvement Program and included additional eligible improvements and an explanation of the process.
In late 2012, the Village Board renewed the Façade Improvement Program and allocated $50,000 to it for FY2013. The Board also directed that the program be available Village-wide rather than limited to 143rd Street. The program was renamed the Appearance Improvement Grant (AIG).
In 2014, the program was amended to waive building permit fees for projects approved for grant funds.
In 2018, the maximum grant was increased from $20,000 to $50,000. The Appearance Improvement Grant program was defunded in 2018.
Below is a summary of the previous program. This item is being brought to the Village Board for potential reapproval. If approved, funds will be budgeted for the Appearance Improvement for FY2027. Staff is presenting the previous terms of the AIG and recommending that the program is re-activated as outlined.
The purpose of the grant program is to assist property owners and tenants of commercial buildings improve the exterior appearance of their storefronts a...
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