2020 Façade Grants Available to Local Businesses

The Design Committee of Downtown Cheyenne is announcing the immediate opening of the 2020 Pre-Application process for Façade Improvement Grants.

The Façade Improvement Program (FIP) is one of Downtown Cheyenne’s most visibly impactful programs. The program was originally put into place by the Board in 2015 and since then, $663,582 in grants have been awarded. The program is underwritten by the DDA Mill Levy, a 20-mil assessment approved by downtown property owners on the assessed value of their properties.

The program is open to property owners within the DDA district that includes:

• From the north side of 15^th Street to the south side of 22^nd Street
• From the west side of House Avenue to the east side of Snyder Avenue
• South of the viaduct: from the south side of 11^th Street to the north side of Deming Drive, and from the west side of Central Avenue to the east side of Capitol Avenue

A goal of this grant program is to keep defining original features intact. According to the National Park Services’ Technical Preservation Services, “The intent of the Standards is to assist the long-term preservation of a property’s significance through the preservation of historic materials and features. The Standards pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes and occupancy and encompass the exterior and interior of the buildings.”

As part of the grant requirements, the property owner must maintain the improved façade in good condition for a period of five years after completion. This is carried out through a Façade Easement Agreement.

The program is administered through Downtown Cheyenne’s Design Committee; with final approval on FIP grants going through the Board of Directors. Design Committee members include representatives from the local design and historic preservation community.