The Noblesville Common Council approved enlarging the city’s boundaries designated to stimulate investment, promote architectural appreciation and initiate aesthetic improvements to historic buildings. The façade grant program was previously contained to the Central Business District’s borders, but now all historic commercial properties in Noblesville will be eligible to apply.
“The Economic Development Council Committee recommended these changes after interest was shown from businesses outside the downtown district wanting to participate,” said Aaron Head, façade grant coordinator and economic development specialist. “The program’s priority is still Downtown Noblesville. There will be no change in program opportunities for downtown buildings and priority funding will be provided to those businesses.”
The city’s façade grant program maintains and expands the contribution of historic buildings in the City to Noblesville’s economy by providing a pleasing and aesthetically acceptable historic atmosphere that attracts new businesses and consumers. In 2018, the city awarded 10 grants for a total public and private investment of $197,985.12.
“Under this council and the mayor’s leadership, $856,000 have been granted to downtown business and building owners to do façade improvements, which has led to $1,900,000 in investment,” Head said.
As part of Tuesday’s ordinance change, application submittals will now have an annual deadline of March 31 starting in 2020. Head said applications for properties located in the Central Business District would be reviewed first and historic properties outside that district would be reviewed and funded thereafter.
“Noblesville has several historic and commercial buildings in gateway areas of the city. The downtown has seen major reinvestment the past 11 years with the façade grant program and this change provides the opportunity to enhance other buildings,” he said.
In March, the council approved changing the façade grant program’s funding source from the Downtown TIF district to the city’s general fund. Grant reimbursement cannot exceed $25,000 per building and also provide up to $500 for professional design services costs.