BROWNSVILLE, Texas (February 22, 2017) – The City of Brownsville, in partnership with Main Street District Brownsville, announces the Intensive Block Façade Improvement Program (FIP).
Funded through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the FIP provides reimbursable grants to property and business owners seeking to rehabilitate commercial buildings within Downtown Brownsville’s Main Street District.
The FIP aims to encourage quality redevelopment in Downtown Brownsville through the following objectives:
- Reducing blight and preventing further deterioration of commercial buildings;
- Preserving the original character of buildings;
- Reducing vacancies in storefronts and upper floors;
- Encouraging private investment in commercial buildings; and
- Stimulating future economic investment in Downtown Brownsville.
The FIP offers reimbursements of up to 50 percent of eligible rehabilitation costs. A minimum investment of $5,000 is required.
Eligible FIP activities include: façade improvements; storefront improvements; lead and asbestos testing; soft costs; labor and materials costs; and building code corrections.
“We’re excited and proud to announce the Façade Improvement Program for our Main Street District,” said Main Street Manager Miriam Suarez. “Façade improvements not only aid in the preservation of historic buildings; they are proven to increase property values, encourage private investment, and help improve the economic vitality of downtowns.”
All applications will be reviewed by an internal committee and are subject to review by the Texas Main Street Program and the Historic Preservation and Design Review Board.
Complete FIP guidelines and online application are available at: http://www.cob.us/534/Resources.
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