Program Purpose:

The Downtown Denville Business Improvement District (DDBID) Façade Update Grant program is to encourage private investment through the rehabilitation and improvement of facades within the DDBID.

DDBID, to encourage good design that will serve as quality examples, and to preserve the architectural character that is distinctive to Downtown Denville. By improving the appearance of the building facades, the program serves to improve the economic viability of the downtown.

Program Description:

The DDBID is offering a grant program for reimbursement of costs associated with front, side and rear façade improvements in the City of Denville Downtown District.

The DDBID shall reimburse up to one thousand, five hundred dollars ($1,500) toward costs associated with updating the front, side and rear façade of buildings approved by the DDBID in conjunction with Design Committee, which has been adopted by the DDBID and the Township of Denville.                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The DDBID sets aside $6,000 each calendar year (January 1^st – December 31^st) for this grant, disbursing $1,500 every quarter. Funds go to the applicant deemed most in need and with the most completed project, as decided by the DDBID and the Design Committee.

The Director of the DDBID can release up to $1,500 as reimbursement after confirming that the applicant has completed the approved project, including façade improvements. If the project costs less than this amount, the DDBID has the discretion to provide a smaller grant. Multiple grants can be awarded, but the total will not exceed $1,500.

Program Target Area:

The target area for the DDBID Façade Update Grant Program is the Downtown Denville District and its Eligible Applicants:

Property owners or leaseholders of all commercial or mixed-use buildings within the DDBID who are current on their DDBID fees, are eligible to apply for grant funds. In the case a leaseholder applies they must submit a signed letter of permission from the property owner with their application. Preference will be given to new applicants who have not received grant funding from the program.

Eligible Improvements:

All grant-funded improvements must be permanent and must meet all State, County and Local code requirements. Eligible items include, but may not be limited to:

• Removal of siding that was used to cover original building materials.
• Exterior brick or wall surface repair.
• Pointing of brick/mortar joint repair.
• Window and/or door replacement/repair.
• Attached signage.
• Any architectural details in need of repair and/or replacement.

Funding Guidelines:

Façade improvements must commence within 90 days of DDBID board approval and must be completed within six months.  Extensions may be permitted with written proof of delay.

Application Process:

1. Meet with the DDBID Executive Director and Design Committee Chairperson to explain scope of project, whether in person or virtually.

2. Complete a grant application (available following meeting outlined in 1.) and submit to the DDBID office no later than the 1st of the last month of the quarter (March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1) to be added to the DDBID Regular Meeting agenda for the last Thursday of the same month.  All applications must include design plans, inspiration photos, and paint samples as applicable, as well as estimates for the proposed work. Architectural drawings are encouraged but not required. A detailed description of the work to be completed along with building photos showing the areas where the work will be done. 

3. Applicant is required to attend the DDBID meeting where their grant request will be discussed, to present their request and be available to answer any questions.

4. The final grant decision will be made by the DDBID Board.

5. When the project is completed and “Before” and “After” pictures are submitted, DDBID staff will verify work has been completed as specified in the grant application.

6. Upon completion of project and after verification stated above, furnish digital photographs of the work completed and copies of all paid invoices, as well as closed permit, if required by the town, to receive a single payment reimbursement of the approved funding. The grant is awarded on a reimbursement basis.

7. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

8. Ineligible expenses include reimbursement for work that has already been completed prior to request and/or outside the scope of applicated work.

Program Amendments

The DDBID reserves the right to amend or discontinue this program subject to formal approval of the DDBID Board.

Contact Information: For questions or to apply for the Façade Grant Program, contact the DDBID office at scrighton@downtowndenville.com or 973.886.9624. An application will be made available to interested parties after a meeting with the aforementioned DDBID representatives.

DOWNTOWN DENVILLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FACADE UPDATE GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION