IRON MOUNTAIN — The Downtown Development Authority has two available grant programs for businesses located in the downtown district — the Facade Improvement Grant Program and the Downtown Assistance Program grant. Both programs are open for applications now.

The Facade Improvement grant has a deadline of Thursday and the Assistance Program grant has a deadline of May 24.

New this year is a mandatory review panel for applicants. The review panel will consist of the DDA Business Development committee members, including some DDA board members. The panel was created to increase dialogue before the grants are awarded and allows the panel to answer any questions about the submitted projects.

The Facade Improvement grant program was created by the DDA to incentivize this coordinated approach. This program was designed to encourage the revitalization of historic properties within the DDA district. The program supports improvement to exterior building facades (front, sides, back) that eliminate blight and uphold the traditional architectural characteristics of the downtown. This is a matching grant program for small and large projects that enhance the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the existing property.

“The architectural quality of the Iron Mountain’s downtown area is important to the entire city, its history, image, and economy,” explained Megan Blomquist, DDA chairwoman and local architect. “Proper improvements to the exterior appearances of individual buildings will help develop and uphold the appropriate image.”

The Facade Improvement grant program funds up to 50 percent of proposed activity, or $10,000 per project, whichever is less. The total allocation for this program is $10,000 per year. Examples of qualifying projects include, but are not limited to, removing non-historic features and materials, adding windows or display areas, uncovering or rehabilitating the original facade of an existing building, restoring or repairing original brickwork, wood, masonry, or stucco, reconstructing architectural details such as cornices or transoms, replacing or repairing windows and doors, and adding traditional-style awnings, lights, or signs.

The Downtown Assistance Program was created in an effort to maintain and enhance the integrity of downtown Iron Mountain properties and businesses and to promote further growth within the city’s downtown district.

The grant funds up to 50 percent of proposed activity, or $4,000 per project, whichever is less. The total allocation for this program is $8,000 per year. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to architectural design and engineering, marketing services, branding and graphic design, exterior signage, deferred maintenance projects (roofs, masonry repair, parking, etc.) and exterior building improvements (such as awnings, windows and doors, painting, landscaping, sidewalks and drives, etc.) Projects that include a combination of professional services and construction or physical improvement are strongly encouraged.

Previous awardees include: Sol Blu Lounge and Taproom, a 2017 Assistance Program grant winner; Advanta Print, a 2017 Assistance Program grant winner; Organic Grounds Coffeehouse, the 2017 Facade Improvement Grant winner; Sikora Sheet Metal the 2018 Assistance Program grant winner; and Erickson Jewelers, the 2018 Facade Improvement Program Grant winner.

Applicants can apply for the Facade Improvement grant and/or the Assistance Program by submitting applications to Paula Craven at Iron Mountain City Hall. For more information about the DDA and its grants visit www.downtownironmountain.com.