The program offers reimbursements up to 70% of the project, with a maximum award of $20,000, to assist with approved exterior renovations and upgrades to commercial and mixed-use buildings within the DDA district, Norway DDA Interim Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said.

The Facade Improvement Grant Program was established last spring to use public funds to stimulate commercial investment. “The DDA recognizes the importance of maintaining the historic integrity of the district,” she said. “Our goal is to make our community more attractive in hopes it will continue to grow.”

Williamsen explained the DDA would like to focus on comprehensive projects.

“As an example, the grant doesn’t allow just windows, but if you are doing your windows, doors and lighting on the front facade — that’s a whole project,” she said.

The American Legion Post 145 in Norway received the Facade Improvement Grant funds last year to do tuckpointing on the brick structure. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

The DDA requests that projects be facing the roadway.

“They will look into funding sides that are visible as well, but frontage is important,” Williamsen said.

In addition to the application form and requirements, the DDA’s website has a complete rubric the committee will follow for scoring businesses, Williamsen added.

Williamsen worked with Mountain Media House to create a list of businesses that are included within the downtown district.

“These will be posted on the Downtown Norway website,” she said.

The DDA decided to open applications up in the fall so businesses will be able to start construction in the spring. “This way they have all the summer to complete the project,” Williamsen said.

Construction must be completed within a year after the grant is awarded, unless an extension is specifically requested and approved by the DDA board due to extenuating circumstances.

Last year’s grant recipients were the American Legion Post 145 and Norway Mercantile. “The DDA received a total of eight applicants for its first year — which was great,” she said.

Williamsen explained that the American Legion was for structural integrity. “They were able to do the tuckpoint work on the brick, so it could keep the structural stability,” she adds.

A complete list of grant requirements, along with application forms, are available on the website at https://www.norwaymi.com/facade-improvement-grant-program.

Williamsen welcomes any business owner who would like to discuss their project to schedule a meeting with her.

“This is only our second year, so there are still a lot of questions yet. Sometimes the wording gets a little confusing, so it would be beneficial to talk about it,” she said.

Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 1. Packets can be submitted to the City of Norway — Downtown Development Authority, Attention: Facade Grant Application, 915 Main St., Norway, MI 49870. Forms can also be emailed as a single combined PDF.

“The judging will be made by the DDA Board and committee members,” she said.

All Norway area businesses are also encouraged to submit a current email address, as the DDA is in the process of creating an email database for future use for upcoming events and projects.

Any questions or to schedule a meeting with Williamsen email DDA@norwaymi.gov.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.