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Applications being taken for Norway DDA improvement grants

By Terri Castelaz, staff writer 6 min read

NORWAY -- Downtown Norway business and property owners once again have an opportunity to receive assistance to improve their building's appearance through the Facade Improvement Grant Program.

The program, offered through the Norway Downtown Development Authority, provides up to 70% reimbursement for approved exterior renovations, with individual funding capped at $20,000.

Applications for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are now open.

DDA Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said the program is intended to encourage improvements that enhance the look of the buildings while preserving the character of Norway's downtown.

"We want to help make their building what they want it to be," Williamsen said.

A key component of the program is that proposed improvements must be part of a comprehensive facade project rather than a single, isolated improvement.

"We want to help replace multiple parts of a project, instead of just changing out one feature," Williamsen said.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to schedule a meeting before submitting their materials. "This gives owners an opportunity to discuss their project and make sure it fits the program guidelines," she said.

Williamsen also recommends submitting applications well before the deadline.

"If there's a problem or something missing, I will have time to assist them to get it completed," Williamsen said.

The application period is longer this year, which provides licensed contractors additional time to return bids. Completed applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

The DDA plans to notify grant recipients by the end of the year.

Eligible improvements can include storefront and entryway improvements, awnings, exterior lighting, signage, doors and windows, historic restoration and painting.

Proposed improvements must be permanent, not seasonal or temporary, and must be visible from a public street, she said.

Applicants must complete all packet forms, including a project narrative, existing photographs, renderings or sketches of the proposed work, contractor bids, along with proof of property location documentation.

Williamsen noted the DDA district doesn't necessarily correspond to what people might consider the traditional downtown area.

"Those unsure can go to the website for a map of the downtown district," she said.

Once applications are received, the DDA reviews and scores each proposal before making funding decisions.

Williamsen encourages applicants to carefully review the scoring rubric included at the bottom of the form and use it to evaluate their own projects.

"Grade yourself to make sure you are hitting all the marks," she said.

The DDA hopes to award another three grants during the current funding cycle in 2027.

"The program is a reimbursement grant, meaning applicants must first finance their projects," Williamsen said. "Once construction is complete, the DDA will come and review the work. Once approved, the business will be presented with a check."

Grant recipients have one year from the date they are notified to finalize work.

Those who need additional time can contact the DDA, as extensions may be possible, she explained.

Applicants must provide at least a 30% match of the total project cost.

The first three years of the program have already resulted in improvements to several downtown Norway properties.

Williamsen said five grants in total have been awarded since the program began, with four projects now completed.

Barb and Rob Thorne, owners of Swedish Passport, completed the first project this spring. The larger-scale renovation included work on the entire exterior of the building. Because of the scope of the project, the Thornes were eligible for the program's maximum $20,000 award.

Jim and Debbie Peterson of Peterson Electric recently became the second recipient to complete their renovation project.

For the Petersons, the facade improvements were part of a continuing effort to update a building with decades of family and business history.

They replaced the wooden front awning with a metal awning that is now enclosed.

Jim Peterson selected the colors for the project to reflect the business logo.

They also replaced the front pillars and added new lighting, along with a new air conditioner.

"It was deteriorating from age," Jim Peterson said. "This has made a noticeable difference in the appearance."

The pillars were replaced with vinyl, eliminating the need to continually repaint them.

"I now just have to paint the lower portion of the block once the cooler weather is here," Debbie Peterson said. "We want it to fit that curb appeal."

The Petersons chose to keep their original lighted business sign because of its history.

"Our daughter did the design, we would like to find someone who can renovate it or recreate the same, as it has faded," Debbie Peterson said.

The project totaled about $10,300. They received a 70% reimbursement -- about $6,002 -- through the DDA program. Swanson Solutions completed the construction work.

"He did such a great job -- we are so pleased," Debbie Peterson said. "It has made such a difference."

The building at 615 Main St. has a long connection to Peterson Electric, which was started by his parents, Oscar and Helen Peterson, in October 1939.

Jim Peterson said it originally served as his father's warehouse before the business moved to the location in about 1970. The company's original location was at 640 Main St.

Peterson believes the building is more than 100 years old.

"There's so much history and tradition that we need to keep it going," Debbie said. "We love our people."

The facade project also represents another step in the Petersons' ongoing efforts to maintain the building. They replaced the roof last year and previously received a Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant in 2014 to replace windows and doors.

"It's an old store -- we're trying to do continuous upgrades," Debbie Peterson said.

Completing the project was something the Petersons had hoped to accomplish for years.

The couple appreciated Williamsen's assistance throughout the process.

"She knew how much I wanted the project to happen. It's been a dream to get this complete and she came through for us," she said.

"Kenzie has been a tremendous help -- we are grateful for the grant opportunity," Jim Peterson said.

Beau Anderson, whose Sundance Building houses Fireflies and a barbershop on the first floor with apartments upstairs, was another recipient in the 2025-26 grant cycle.

Williamsen said that project is expected to begin in the fall.

For downloadable application packet, go to the City of Norway website at norwaymi.gov and click on the Downtown Development Authority button towards the bottom of the page, then click on grants.

Completed applications may be emailed as a single PDF to dda@norwaymi.gov. Applications may also be delivered to the Downtown Development Authority, 915 Main St., Norway, MI 49870, or mailed to P.O. Box 99, Norway, MI 49870-0099.

Any questions about the program can be directed to Williamsen at dda@norwaymi.gov.

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

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