Cycle 1 – January 1st, 2026 – April 2nd, 2026 – APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN APRIL 2ND, 2026 5PM!

Purpose

The Village of Richmond Facade and ADA Improvement Program is designed to promote the revitalization of downtown and the surrounding business district. The program will provide financial assistance for facade renovations or ADA improvements to help property owners and lessees rehabilitate and restore the exterior of existing buildings, or add barrier-free improvements for greater accessibility.

Eligibility

Applicants: Either the property owner or lessee of the building with written consent of the owner for all proposed improvements.

Eligible Improvements: The program is intended to encourage exterior improvements that preserve and enhance the character of the Village and help create a pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Improvements must be visible from a public right-of-way and have a positive impact on the appearance of the building, or create a more accessible entrance.

• Tuck pointing
• Painting, except for previously unpainted brick or stone
• Wall repair or improvement
• Exterior doors, windows, and shutters
• Original architectural features repair and replacement
• Awnings
• Exterior lighting
• Streetscape elements including landscaping
• Stairs, porches, railings, ramps
• Signage
• Exterior improvements for ADA compliance

Ineligible Projects: The program will not provide funds for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment/inventory, application fees, permits fees, legal fees, plumbing repair/improvements, HVAC repair/improvements, parking lot resurfacing, or interior remodeling. The program will not fund projects that may damage or destroy an original architectural feature.

Exceptions to eligibility guidelines may be made at the discretion of the Village Board.

Project Terms

The terms of the Facade/ADA Improvement Program are as follows:

1. The total project cost may be reimbursed up to 50% of the verified eligible expense, not to exceed $10,000.
2. The project must meet all applicable ordinance requirements.
3. Each eligible improvement will only be funded once.
4. The property owner and/or lessee will be responsible for maintaining the improvements without any alterations for a period of not less than 5 years after completion.
5. Qualified applicants may serve as their own contractor, but in such case, labor costs will not be covered by the grant.
6. Improvements must be completed within six months from the date of the grant approval by the Village Board.
7. Upon completion of the work, the owner must submit copies of all invoices, contractor statements, proof of payment, and notarized final lien waivers as evidence that the owner or lessee has paid the expenses. Payment of the approved grant amount will be authorized only upon completion of the all work items as originally approved and receipt of all required documents.
8. Changes in project improvements or costs from the previously approved plan must be approved through the process described below. Unapproved changes are not eligible for reimbursement.
9. Failure to abide by the terms and conditions of the Facade/ADA Improvement program will result in forfeiture of program funding.
10. Grant funding is subject to federal and state taxes and is reported to the IRS on form 1099. Property owners and lessees should consult with their tax advisor for tax liability information.

Application Review Criteria

Every project will be evaluated for the value of improvements to the Village of Richmond and scope of the proposed work, together with the following additional criteria:

1. Condition of the budling and need for renovation
2. Extent to which the proposed improvements restore, maintain, or enhance the character of the building and surrounding area.

Application Process

1. Preliminary Review: An applicant must complete an application online through the online portal here: Online Application
   • The application must include the following:
     • Completed and signed Facade/ADA Improvement Program form (online)
     • Uploaded IRS form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
     • Current photographs of the property to be improved – all elevations visible from the public right-of-way
     • Historical photograph of the property, if available
     • Drawing/renderings of the proposed improvements (Aesthetic improvements do not need to be professional, but must be to scale. ADA improvements must be done by a licensed Illinois design professional showing all relevent measurements and details.)
     • Color and material samples, if relevant
     • Written description of the project
     • Estimates of costs for all proposed improvements

2. Committee Review: Upon submittal, Village staff will evaluate project application for completeness and eligibility. The project, if deemed complete, will present the project to the Community Development Committee (CDC). The Committee will review the project and may ask for modifications. Upon approval, the application will be sent to the Village Board with a recommendation for funding.

3. Board Review: The Village Board will review the application and recommendation from the CDC. Upon approval, the applicant must enter into a written Facade/ADA Improvement Agreement with the Village as a condition of the grant and prior to commencing work on the project. Once the agreement is signed by the applicant (and owner, if necessary) and the Village President, the work may start.

Changes

In the event changes in project improvements or costs from the previously approved plan are being considered, the grantee must obtain approval to have these changes funded by the program. The grantee must first send changes and supporting documents to the Village for review. The CDC will then make a recommendation for a change in funding to the Village Board. The final decision will be given at the Village Board level. If approved, the Village and the grantee will enter into a
new Façade Improvement Agreement, and the grantee may continue with the changes. If unapproved, the grantee may move forward with the project but will only be eligible for reimbursement for the previously approved improvements. Unapproved changes are not eligible for reimbursement.

Completion of Work

All improvements must be completed within six months of the execution of the Facade/ADA Improvement Agreement. If the
project is not completed by the end of the term, the Village’s obligation to reimburse the property owner or lessee for the project is terminated.

Reimbursement Process
To receive reimbursement, the funding grantee must submit the following to the Village Administrator:

1. Completed Façade Improvement Program Request for Reimbursement (will be provided to grantee(s)
2. Final inspection approval for all improvements under a building permit
3. Photos of the completed project
4. Invoices and proof of payment for reimbursement costs
5. Notarized Final Lien Waiver from contractors

Upon staff review, the request will be added to the next Village Board meeting as an Accounts Payable item. Once the Village Board approves the request, the Village finance department will reimburse.
*You must have a W-9 on file to be reimbursed.
**All contractors/suppliers must be paid before payment from the village is made to the
grantee.

Contact Information

Community Development Committee Chair – Robert Elliott, 815-678-4040

Village Administrator – Ciro Cetrangolo, 815-678-4040 x210

Village Management Analyst (for application process assistance/code/permit questions) – Kristen Murphy, 815-678-4040 x102