DOWNTOWN FAÇADE PROGRAM

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City of Bradford

Central Business/Historic District

Facade Improvement Program

INTRODUCTION

The City of Bradford Facade Improvement Program is a matching grant program

designed to encourage community investment and revitalization through the rehabilitation of

existing commercial facades within the Central Business/Historic District of the City of

Bradford.

In addition to facade grants, the City of Bradford administers a low-interest loan

program. Additional funds to qualified applicants can be made available to assist with project

costs.

GOALS

 To improve the appearance of downtown Bradford and make it more inviting for

shopping and business activities.

 To develop a clean and attractive environment that encourages new businesses to locate

in Bradford.

 To restore the historic character and highlight the architectural details of downtown

Bradford’s buildings, using the principles of historic preservation as a basis.

OUTREACH

Owners of commercial properties in the Central Business/Historic District of the City of

Bradford will be informed of the availability of the Facade Program funding through public

meetings, radio and newspaper releases and personal contact. Interested applicants will be

requested to contact the OECD for information, guidelines and application packets.

THE FACADE PROGRAM

The Facade Program will provide qualified and eligible applicants with funds to assist in

the rehabilitation of structures within the Central Business/Historic District of the City of

Bradford. Funding is provided in the form of a matching grant. A facade improvement grant

must be matched and may only be used to finance the physical rehabilitation of the facade of the

structure.

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ELIGIBILITY

The Bradford Central Business/Historic District:

Any commercial building located within the area along Main Street from the High Street

intersection to the Mechanic/South Avenue intersection and all streets perpendicular to Main

Street and all other areas within the National Historic District as adopted by the City of Bradford

Ordinance General File #2866.2, or latest revision, are eligible to participate in the Downtown

Commercial Facade Program.

Building owners or tenants are eligible. However tenants must receive approval by

signature from the building owner to do the work.

The types of activities that are eligible under the City’s Facade Program include, but are

not limited to, the following:

 Cleaning of exterior surfaces using the gentlest effective means possible

 Repair/Restoration of historic features

 Replacement of missing historic features provided adequate documentation exists.

 Repointing

 Painting (only if building was originally painted)

 Repair/Replacement of windows

 Roof repair or replacement

 Repair/Restoration of historic commercial street-level Facades

 Replacement of non-conforming commercial street-level Facades

 Awnings or other exterior window treatments

 Signage

 Architectural services

All work activities must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment

of Historic Properties (www.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/) to be eligible. Facade changes

must be consistent with existing or preferably earlier appearance of the building. Any

project over $25,000.00 will require the payment of State Prevailing Wages to all workers

hired for the improvements.

The types of activities that are not eligible under the City’s Facade Program, include but

are not limited to, the following:

 New construction

 Property acquisition

 Interior improvements

 Sidewalks

 Landscaping

 Working capital

 Machinery and equipment

 Furniture and fixtures

 Inventory and accounts receivable

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Types of Grants:

Architectural Design – Any applicant who is doing a major facade rehabilitation (more than a

paint scheme) requiring the services of an architect shall be eligible for a 50% grant not to

exceed $500.00.

Facades – Facade improvements in the form of painting, cleaning, repair of facade, repointing of

brick, and window and roof repair and replacement.

Awnings – Any applicant who shall purchase or repair existing awnings, which includes

awnings and necessary hardware, is eligible for a 50% grant.

Signage – Replacement of existing signage is eligible for a 50% grant.

Combinations – Applicant may apply for any combination of the aforementioned categories,

however the maximum grant award is 50% of total costs up to $5,000.00. In such cases, separate

estimates should be received for these individual components of the project.

Funding – Project will be funded on a 50/50 basis up to the allowable limit of $5,000.00.

Selection of Properties

The OECD will review applications for funding. If more applications are received than there is

money available, grants shall be awarded for available funds on a first come first serve basis to

eligible applicants. Applicants not funded could re-apply if additional funding should become

available.

An applicant can only submit one application per property for any funding round. Any future

applications for the same property would have to be for distinctly different work and funded

from a subsequent round of funding. (It should be noted that funding rounds are not necessarily

annual.) If for any reason the program is undersubscribed the OECD reserves the right to

consider funding a second project from the same round of funding providing the work is

distinctly different. Additionally, if any applicant does not undertake the planned work for a

period of more than six months, the OECD reserves the right to award those funds to another

ready to start, eligible project. The non-performing applicant would then have to re-apply for

future funding.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Each potential recipient of the facade program must comply with the following application

procedures. Completed applications will be time dated and processed in the order of receipt.

However, the OECD will not consider any application with incomplete or missing information.

1. Facade applications are available at the OECD office at located at 20 Russell Boulevard,

Bradford, PA.

2. Applications are to be returned to the OECD office when completed.

3. The OECD reviews the application and makes a recommendation on the approval of the

grant with consideration based on the following criteria:

a. The completeness of the application and all documentation.

b. Selection and utilization of historic colors from historic color pallets.

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c. Types of materials used that adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for

the Treatment of Historic Properties (www.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/).

d. Sensitivity to the contrast of the project against adjoining properties in order to

complement the adjoining properties.

e. The review and approval of the Historical Architectural Review Board.

(on all properties in the Historic District.)

f. The issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness by City Council.

g. The OECD forwards project information to Bradford City Council to vote on at

their next scheduled meeting.

h. When the approval process is complete, the attached Program Agreement must be

signed prior to commencement of work.

i. We are using one grant application for the building owners and business owners,

with a maximum grant of $5,000.00 per applicant, per project. It will be up to the

OECD to decide how each grant is funded.

APPLICATION PACKAGE

1. Application packages are available by contacting the OECD, 20 Russell Boulevard,

Bradford, PA 16701.

2. Fill out and sign the application form and facade renovation program agreement. Return

the completed application form to the Main Street manager’s office with the following

required supportive documentation:

a. Verification of ownership (Copy of Deed and if other than the owner is applying,

written approval from the owner.)

b. Tax Statement (evidence that real estate taxes are current.)

c. Verification of Property Insurance

d. Two copies of a color photo of facade to be rehabilitated.

e. Copies of two formal quotes/bids for the work to be done.

*Note: Applications will be accepted, but will be processed only as long as funds are available.

PROJECT PROCEDURES

Initial Project Meeting

Once the application is received and reviewed for accuracy, the OECD may contact the applicant

to schedule an Initial Project Meeting to become familiar with the project work. At this time the

OECD can work with the applicant on the details of the project and offer assistance on design.

Upon the completion of the Initial Project Meeting, the following process describes the course of

the facade program. The order and necessity of each step will be determined on a case-by-case-

by-case basis depending on the requirements for each facade project:

1. Initial Inspection - A representative from the OECD will conduct an initial inspection of

the condition of the existing facade to detect existing health, building and safety code

deficiencies related to the facade of the structure. The applicant will meet with the

OECD to review scope of work. An architect will be required when facade projects

propose changes to the design and placement of windows and/or structural changes to the

building. Architect fees up to $500.00 can be financed through the program.

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2. Design Review - The OECD will review the work write-ups and if applicable,

accompanying architect’s drawings for each project and provide approval or make

recommendations for the alternatives if deemed necessary. All facade projects must

follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (available online at

www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/preservation.pdf) and must be approved by the

OECD prior to commencement of work.

Additionally or concurrently to this review, projects located in the Historic District

must apply for a review by the Historical Architectural Review Board and attain a

Certificate of Appropriateness by Resolution of the City of Bradford.

3. Contractor Bidding - The Owner will then solicit at least two bids from

qualified contractors to perform the rehabilitation work. (A qualified contractor is defined

as one regularly doing business as a contractor, being able to acquire and maintain

insurance and have experience with similar projects.) The bids will then be reviewed for

completeness and given to the OECD for attachment to the application.

4. Board - The OECD will make recommendation to City Council to approve the project

for one half of the project amount up to $5,000.00.

5. Financing - If the Applicant/Owner has secured the required matching funds, the

required permits and certifications the project will advance to the APPROVAL phase. If

the Applicant/Owner requires financial assistance to provide the required match, he/she

may submit an application to the OECD for low-interest loan consideration.

6. Determination of Eligibility - The OECD will determine that the owner is eligible for

assistance based on the application documentation, rehabilitation specifications, and

financial ability.

7. Contract Signing - An agreement between the OECD and owner will be executed.

No Work Can Begin on Project until Contracts are Properly Executed.

8. Rehabilitation Monitoring - As work progresses the OECD, as a service, along with the

owner will monitor the rehabilitation of the property to assure contract compliance. In the

event the scope of the project changes due to unforeseen circumstances the OECD will

work with the applicant to insure the project remains eligible for any approved funding.

9. Final Inspection, Payment and Project Closeout - As this is a reimbursement program,

checks will be issued to the owner or applicant only after a paid invoice(s) from the

contractor(s) has been provided to the OECD, all work items for which payment is

requested are inspected and confirmed completed and the City has sufficient time to

process a payment. Final inspection of the work will be done by the OECD with the

owner/applicant. Final payment will only be made after all work has been satisfactorily

completed and the owner has received all warranties and guarantees. If the work is not

complete, as per the specifications, final payment will not be approved and payment will

be withheld until all work is completed or corrected.

As this is a 50/50 reimbursement grant program, checks will be issued as payment for half

of all paid invoices presented up to the approved amount. Final payment will be issued to

the owner or applicant upon the approval of the OECD.

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City of Bradford

Facade Improvement Program

Application Form

Part I

DATE: ____________________

PROPERTY ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________

OWNER(S): __________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________ ___________________________________

___________________________________ ___________________________________

PHONE: ___________________________________ ___________________________________

If Applicant is a Tenant without interest in the property to be rehabilitated, the following information is required:

TENANT(S): _______________________________ ___________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________ ___________________________________

_______________________________ ___________________________________

BUSINESS NAME: _____________________________________________ PHONE: _____________________

The following items of documentation MUST be submitted for this Application to be considered complete:

1. Tax Statement (Tax Verification letter included with Application Packet)

2. Verification of Ownership (Copy of Deed/Leasehold Interest in Real Estate documentation)

3. Two copies of a color photo of facade to be rehabilitated

___________________________________ ____________________________________

OWNER SIGNATURE TENANT

___________________________________ ____________________________________

OWNER SIGNATURE TENANT

Part II

Please complete the following information as accurately as possible.

Total Project Cost: $__________________ Number of Current Jobs: Full Time ______

Part Time ______

Number of Anticipated New Jobs Created: Full Time ______

Part Time ______

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Part III

Type or restoration/rehabilitation work you want to do.

DESIGN_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

FACADE______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

AWNING______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

SIGNAGE_____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Cost Estimates: Must include signed bids to be qualified acceptable. Application will be rejected if not included.

ITEM COST

__________________________________________________ ____________________________

TOTAL ____________________________

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City of Bradford Facade Improvement Program

Agreement

Conditions

1. All proposed improvements must be pre-approved by the OECD

2. All improvements are subject to 30-day inspection by the OECD.

3. Upon final inspection – Matching grant funds will be paid to the applicant by paying half

of all invoices up to a maximum of $5,000.00.

Disclaimer

I herby acknowledge that I understand the terms and conditions of the Matching Grant Program,

and this signature so indicates my intent to meet the specified terms if the application is

approved.

I understand further that, upon grant authorization, this project is approved for payment only in

strict accordance with the Facade Improvement Program Guidelines design which are attached to

this application and herby made part of this agreement.

I further understand that change orders are not eligible, and that failure to comply with this

agreement may jeopardize receipt of grant funds.

____________________________________________ _________________

Applicant Signature Date

Design Approval and Grant Authorization

The OECD is recommending approval of grant funding in the amount of ______________ (50%

of project costs up to a maximum amount of $5,000.00). This amount is good for six months

from the date of signature below.

___________________________________________ __________________

OECD Date