Downtown Storefronts

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1 Downtown Storefronts Façade Improvement Grants and other possible funding sources Scott Hanson Maine Downtown Conference

2 City of Portland s 2008 Façade Improvement Grant/Match Program Funded with Federal Community Development and Block Grant (CDBG) funds CDBG Block Grants are administered by larger communities or by counties CDBG façade improvement programs have been used in several smaller communities in Maine, including Rockland Maine Downtown Conference

3 Portland Program Goal Strengthen the revitalization of Congress Street from Monument Square to Longfellow Square Program Basics Eligible Projects - Commercial storefronts, commercial signs and awnings Grant/Match Program Private investment covers at least 50% of the cost of a project Design Professionals Use of architects and professional sign makers to ensure quality projects Limited Funding Grant awards to projects with the greatest impact on enhancing the Congress Street streetscape Maine Downtown Conference

4 Available grants from the 2008 Portland program Storefront Half the cost of construction up to a maximum of $20,000 plus half the architect s fee up to a maximum of $1,600 (based on a fee of 8% of the cost of construction) Sign or Awning Half the cost up to a maximum of $2,000 Maine Downtown Conference

5 Sample Funding Scenarios from the Portland program A. Total cost of storefront façade improvement: $25,000 Grant - $12,500 for construction + $1,000 architectural fee = $13,500 Private Match - $12,500 for construction + $1,000 architectural fee = $13,500 B. Total cost of storefront façade improvement: $50,000 Grant - $20,000 for construction + $1,600 architect s fee = $21,600 Private Match - $30,000 for construction + $2,400 architect s fee = $32,400 C. Total cost of new sign or awning: $2,000 Grant - $1,000 Private Match -$1,000 D. Total cost of new sign or awning: $5,000 Grant - $2,000 Private Match - $3,000 Maine Downtown Conference

6 Portland s Application Review Criteria A. Degree of visual improvement the proposed project will bring to the storefront and the streetscape B. Design Consistency/Compatibility with the standards/guidelines as follows: For designated historic buildings and signs on these buildings: Consistency with the City of Portland Historic Preservation Ordinance review standards. These standards address building alterations as well as signs and awnings For non-designated buildings and signs on these buildings: Consistency with City of Portland Downtown Urban Design Guidelines. These guidelines address building alterations as well as signs and awnings C. Visual prominence of the project building and its location D. Given limited program resources, additional points will be given to applications in which the private investment will be greater than 50% of the project budget. Maine Downtown Conference

7 Portland s Submission Requirements Application with required attachments as follows: 1) Description of proposed improvement project (for example, storefront elements you wish to restore or renovate such as siding material or the configuration of shop windows, or a new sign or awning); 2) Simple sketch of project, if possible, but this item is not required. If a sketch is provided, please indicate relationship to abutting buildings 3) List of proposed materials, if known 4) Photographs of existing conditions of project, including abutting building(s) 5) Description of source of private funding match. If source is other than applicant s readily available funds, then please provide a letter of commitment or other documentation indicating availability and commitment of funds Maine Downtown Conference

8 Understanding Storefront Design Fundamentals A simple set of basic design elements have been used through many decades to create effective and functional downtown storefronts. Variations in how the elements are combined, and what materials and detailing are used, allow them to work well on a wide range of building styles and sizes. Whether a storefront is intended to be a historic re-creation or a completely contemporary design, the same basic design elements can be used to create a storefront that contributes to the streetscape and is inviting to shoppers. Maine Downtown Conference

9 Traditional Storefront Design Elements Historic View from 1912 Cornice Frieze/Sign Band Awning Transom Pier Display Window Recessed Entry Bulkhead Maine Downtown Conference

10 Traditional Storefront Design Elements Historic Opening in-filled with Modern Materials Cornice Frieze/Sign Band Awning Transom (behind awning) Pier Display Window Recessed Entry Bulkhead Maine Downtown Conference

11 Traditional Storefront Design Elements New Façade with Contemporary Materials Cornice Frieze Transom Awning Pier Display Window Recessed Entry Maine Downtown Conference Bulkhead

12 Congress Street Storefronts in the Past The same set of basic elements was adapted to a wide range of building styles and sizes along Congress Street Maine Downtown Conference

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20 Some recent examples of successful Storefront Designs that use the basic elements of traditional storefront design Maine Downtown Conference

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25 Case Studies of Storefront Rehab Maine Downtown Conference

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34 Examples of Successful Signs and Awnings Maine Downtown Conference

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43 2008 CDBG Funded Façade Improvement Program Congress Street, Portland, Maine Before and After Views of Selected Projects Emerson Clapp Building, 28 Monument Square New compatible storefront design based upon historic photo documentation Maine Downtown Conference

44 Port City Music Hall New marquee and signage design compatible with building s Moderne architectural style Maine Downtown Conference

45 State Theater Building, Congress Square Historic retractable awnings were repaired and received new striped canvas coverings, matching the original. Maine Downtown Conference

46 675 Congress Street, Longfellow Square Compatible contemporary design storefront to replace a 1980 s remodeling of a 1948 addition to an 1856 building Maine Downtown Conference

47 Coffee by Design, 616 Congress Street New design to improve access and interior layout, incorporating historic prismatic glass transom and recently installed commissioned mosaic art work. Maine Downtown Conference

48 Shwartz Building, Congress Square New compatible storefront design based on historic photos will replace 1960 s storefronts and signage Project currently underway Maine Downtown Conference

49 CDBG funded project in Freeport administered through Cumberland County Maine Downtown Conference

50 57 Depot Street Rehabilitated by Freeport Community Services as an expansion of their community center Maine Downtown Conference

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54 Historic Tax Credit Project Maine Downtown Conference

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60 Combined Historic Tax Credits and Communities for Maine s Future Grant Lamb Block, Livermore Falls Maine Downtown Conference

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62 295 Water Street, Suite 209 Augusta, ME (207) www sutherlandcc net