The Plymouth Foundation is launching a façade improvement grant program for businesses downtown and along the waterfront.
The private nonprofit foundation is committing $500,000 of its funds for the program and will make matching grants of up to $50,000 for applicants who seek to improve their properties.
“This program represents a meaningful investment in the heart of Plymouth,” William Hallisey, president of the foundation’s board of directors, said in a release announcing the program. “By supporting property owners and small businesses in restoring and enhancing their storefronts, we’re strengthening the downtown experience for residents, visitors, and the broader regional economy.”
The program will focus on Main and Court streets (to the intersection of Samoset Street) and along Water Street. Eligible improvements include façade restoration, painting, masonry repair, windows and doors, signage, lighting, landscaping, accessibility upgrades, and the removal of outdated or inappropriate alterations.
The program is designed as a matching grant, not full funding. The foundation will match 25 percent of the cost for projects up to $25,000 and 50 percent of projects between $25,000 and $50,000.
“The idea is to incentivize bigger projects. We want people to think big,” said Stephen Cole, executive director of the foundation, in an interview.
According to the foundation’s release, “applications for a grant will be evaluated by a review panel of representatives from the foundation, the Town’s Planning Department, and partner organizations. Projects will be scored based on visual impact, contribution to historic preservation, readiness to proceed, and opportunities for clustered improvements across adjacent properties.”
The application and full program guidelines will be available on the foundation’s website beginning Dec. 1.
Michael Cohen can be reached at michael@plymouthindependent.org.