Any business or building owner located in the downtown district is eligible to apply for our facade grant program.

There are three categories of grants: 1) Signage & Lighting - up to $1,000  2) Maintenance - up to $2,000 and 3) Renovation/preservation - up to $5,000. 

Signage or lighting: Updates to signage or outdoor facade lighting

Up to 1,000

Flush mounted or projecting sign, hand painted sign ,is well designed, easy to read sign, sign coordinate with business branding,  considerations for nighttime visibility, sign safely installed on building, lighting highlights historic features of building and/or sign.

Priority given to Projected signs, Signs with Lighting, and hand painted signs or lighting that showcases existing signs and historic building features.

The Maintenance Grant: Maintaining one aspect of building

Up to 2,000

The Maintenance Grant includes minor improvements or upkeep to existing materials that do not change the exterior look of the building. This includes replacing worn paint with the same or similar color scheme, replacing a worn awning, weather proofing/sealing trip around windows and doors or bringing existing exterior electrical up to code . These funds can also be used for roof or foundation repair to ensure the building is sealed from the elements. 

Renovation/Preservation Grants: Maintaining/improving multiple aspects of the building, changing the look:

Up to 5,000

Renovation/Preservation Grants are for renovations and structural improvements that preserves or enhances the façade, such as restoring original, historic features and period appropriate existing building materials such as bricks, tiles, windows, entryways, storefront framing or doors. Can include improvements to roof or foundation.

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Applications will be reviewed by Laramie Main Street’s Design Team on the second Wed. of each month or until funds are exhausted. Preference will be given to applicants that:

• Maintain and/or repair original historic features 

• Submit professional plans or detailed renderings 

• Submit more than one bid with cost estimates 

• Provide a cash match 

• Actively support the community by donating to or volunteering with a non profit, serving on a board or commission, participating in or hosting community events

The Design Team, made up of volunteers with backgrounds in planning, real estate, business development, public art and preservation, work to make visual improvements to downtown through good design compatible with historic features.

Main Street’s Facade grant program is possible due to the generosity of Paul Etchepare. Interest from his gifted endowment to Laramie Main Street can be used to make physical improvements downtown. This year, $20,000 plus unused funds from last year are available.

Main Street’s Design Team is Here to Help!

Questions about facade grants? Design standards? Need assistance with improvements to maintain your building’s historic integrity? Reach out! The Design Team meets the second Wed. of each month at 1 pm.

marketing@laramiemainstreet.org

Preservation Resources