North Laurel/ Savage Façade Improvement Grant Application

 

About the North Laurel/Savage Facade Improvement Grant (FIG): 

The Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), in partnership with Howard County, has received $75,000 from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to support a Facade Improvement Grant Program for businesses in the North Laurel-Savage Sustainable Community area. This program will open up a new opportunity to assist businesses with making exterior, aesthetic improvements to their properties.   It will offer 100% reimbursement for the first $5,000 of eligible and pre-approved project costs and 50% reimbursement for total eligible project costs more than $5,000.  The minimum grant award for an application is $1,000 and the maximum is $20,000. 

 

Information Session

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, for an informative session about the North Laurel/Savage Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) Program. Learn how this $75,000 state-funded initiative, in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), is helping businesses in the North Laurel-Savage Sustainable Community area revitalize their exteriors and enhance curb appeal. Register Today!

 

Eligibility Area:  Only projects submitting within the boundary below will be considered.  

 

 

Program Contact:  For more information or if you have questions, please contact Jinal Contractor at email or phone. 

 

Program Goal 

The North Laurel/Savage Facade Improvement Program is a state-funded initiative of $75,000 designed to enhance the visual appeal of our commercial areas while fostering a supportive environment for local businesses. This program aims to revitalize and modernize building facades in a way that respects the unique historic architecture of our neighborhoods. By offering financial assistance and resources, the program provides an affordable solution for business owners to update and maintain their properties, ensuring that improvements are both economically viable and aesthetically pleasing. 

 

Program Objectives: 

• Improve aesthetics of commercial buildings 
• Encourage other private investments 
• Incentivize preferred designs 
• Encourage historic preservation (when applicable) 
• Spur revitalization with multiple smaller investments  
• Reduce commercial vacancy 
• Make improvements affordable for small businesses with limited funding 

 

Eligible Projects  

Eligible projects include improvements made to the building that can be directly seen from the street. Those projects may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Signage 
• Exterior painting 
• Siding repair or replacement  
• Exterior lighting 
• Window and door upgrades  
• Awnings 
• Murals 
• Other uses approved by the Program 

All projects must be reviewed and approved prior to starting the project. Reviews and approvals may take 60-90 days.  No work may begin without a Notice to Proceed from the County and must be completed by December 2025. 

 

What is considered an ineligible project? 

The following projects are not eligible for the grant:  

• Property Acquisition 
• Business Overhead Costs 
• Permit Fee’s 
• Architect and Engineering Services  
• Improvements to residential properties  
• Rear Exterior Projects 
• Interior Projects  
• Any projects banned by local building codes or zoning 

 

Additional Processes to Consider 

An application must be submitted along with a scope and estimates of the total cost of the project. Any permits and approvals are the responsibility of the Applicant. Depending on the type of project proposed, properties fronting Route 1 may be required to submit for Design Advisory Panel (DAP) review. Application will be reviewed to ensure no outstanding zoning, licensees, permits, or fire code violations exist on the property seeking grant funds. Applications must also be reviewed by the State for any potential historic preservation requirements. The property and/or business must be considered in good standing with the State and County property taxes. Applicant is responsible for maintaining valid and sufficient insurance coverage for property damage and personal injury related to the facade improvement project.  It is expressly understood that the Applicant shall be responsible for maintaining valid and sufficient insurance coverage for property damage and personal injury related to façade improvement project.  If any Property is located in a 100-year flood plain as designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Applicant is required to obtain flood insurance coverage. The Applicant shall require the general contractor to provide general contractor’s insurance coverage for comprehensive public liability, property damage liability/builder’s risk, and workers’ compensation in the form and amounts satisfactory to the County. 

 

Apply Today