Facade Improvement Grants

Downtown Suwanee Facade Grant Program
The City of Suwanee is recognized as a certified Main Street community by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  In Suwanee, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) directs the Main Street program for downtown development, focusing its efforts in four key issues:
*Organization
*Promotion
*Economic Development
*Design
It has been the experience of more than 1,200 Main Street communities throughout the U.S. that the design and physical integrity of downtown structures are extremely important.  It is not only a matter of aesthetics, but an important factor in the success of retail and commercial businesses, the quality of life for residents, and the sustainability of the community.

The DDA has created the Facade Grant Program to provide an incentive for property owners to reinvest in their buildings through restoration and facade improvements.  Suwanee's program is the only one in Georgia offering grants for residential projects as well as commercial ones.

Goals of the Facade Grant Program

The intent of the program is to encourage private investment in appropriate improvements to downtown structures.

Our goals:
  1. Encourage historic preservation through restoration of downtown structures.
  2. Abate any continued deterioration of downtown commercial and residential structures.
  3. Augment the natural assets of downtown by restoring the uniqueness, character, and integrity of downtown structures to the period of their construction.
  4. Help in the economic development of downtown through increased sales and increased valuation of properties.
Who is Eligible?

Owners or tenants (with minimum 5-year lease term and landlord approval) of existing commercial buildings and homes located within the Downtown Development Authority District.  The DDA District is a specific area designated by the City of Suwanee ordinance that created the DDA.  Prospective applicants must verify the eligibility of their property address.

Applicants who have received a Facade Grant in the last five years are not eligible.

Application deadlines are:  3:00 pm on June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Facade Grant Program Guidelines

Facade Grant Application

Email Alison Starnes for additional details at astarnes@suwanee.com.