By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — City officials have given the nod to request a grant to fund a city façade program.

According to the city, such a program would be utilized to “stimulate building improvements while being mindful of the historical significance and uniqueness of the downtown structures”. These programs serve as a way to update and refurbish signage, doors, windows, wall treatments, and other details.

Before and after pictures — an example of work funded through facade grants. (Photos: City of Stevens Point)

This façade program would be limited to tax incremental district #6 (TID) that would be funded through a grant. The city will match the grant at 50 percent. Several years ago the city was awarded the same type of funding in the amount of $300,000, which various businesses used.

In this case, the city is looking for approximately $200,000.

The city made similar moves in 2015, resulting in the enhancement of various downtown establishments.

“I am a strong believer in the importance and attractiveness of our downtown.” said Alder Davis Shorr.

“I want to point out that this is a great program,” said Mayor Mike Wiza. “This program was well-received before it ran out of money, and I can tell you that just the fact that it’s on an agenda has spurred interest — there’s potentially a new business downtown and they were asking about the facade grants — there are people ready to use this now.”

Finance members approved this unanimously, and will see final approval through council next week.