What is the Façade Improvement Project?

The Façade Improvement Project offers up to $20,000 in matching funds for the façade improvement of commercial buildings. The goal of this project is to encourage building renovation, historic preservation and improved economic vitality by providing funding to upgrade Downtown Frederick commercial building facades.

For the purposes of this program, a façade is defined as the primary street-facing vertical face of the building, or in the case of a building at an intersection, the street-facing faces. The Partnership Design Committee includes Carroll Creek Park as a primary street frontage and will accept requests for façade grants for building frontages that face onto Carroll Creek. The façade comprises the walls, doors, windows, porches and architectural features, and may, at the Design Committee’s discretion, include additional features such as roof elements, gutters, downspouts, etc. that contribute significantly to the façade composition. Where secondary facades that do not directly face the street are significant contributing streetscape features, they may be considered for funding at the Design Committee’s discretion.

Property and/or business owners can apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of their improvement project. Any additional applications for the same property within a two-year period will qualify for a 25 percent match. The maximum grant contribution by the Partnership is $20,000. The minimum grant contribution is $500. Work completed prior to a letter of commitment from the Partnership is not eligible for funding.

The Façade Improvement Project is administered by the Downtown Frederick Partnership Design Committee. The Design Committee is composed of Downtown Frederick business owners, architects, engineers, residents and others who want to improve the physical appearance of Downtown Frederick. The Façade Improvement Project is funded by the State of Maryland’s Community Legacy Program and is managed in cooperation with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development.

Who Can Apply?

Any building owner or store owner/building tenant with authorization from the property owner can apply for funding. The primary focus of the project area is within Partnership boundaries – Market Street between South and Ninth Streets, Patrick Street between Bentz and Wisner Streets and Everedy Square/Shab Row. Additional locations on commercially oriented downtown blocks outside this specified area will be considered. This grant cannot be used for non-commercial residential buildings. Contact the Partnership to learn if your property is eligible.

Eligibility Improvements

Eligible projects include but are not limited to the following list:

• Painting
• Awnings
• Lighting
• Signage
• Sidewalks (brick)
• Masonry repair
• Door/window repair
• Removal of appropriate or incompatible exterior finishes

Are there any design guidelines?

Yes. Projects must conform with the Frederick Town Historic District Design Guidelines. Regardless of whether Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approval is required, projects must be approved by the Partnership Design Committee. Due to State funding requirements, projects also must be approved by the Maryland Historical Trust.

How does the application process work?

Applicants submit a complete application form including:
a) two color photos of the existing building, at least one photo must show the entire building façade from sidewalk
roof
b) detailed sketches or drawings of the proposed improvements as appropriate
c) two bids on contractor letterhead
d) a W-9 for the grant recipient

Selection Process:

Once a complete application is submitted, the Design Committee will review the application. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Design Committee review will be completed in fewer than five business days.

The Partnership also will forward the application to the Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) as required by the State of Maryland. MHT has 30 days to review the project. The applicant is encouraged to pursue HPC approval, if needed, at the same time as the project is undergoing MHT review.

The Partnership then will issue a letter of commitment when Design Committee, MHT and HPC, if required, approval is granted. The letter will include the specific amount granted and any conditions of approval. The amount of the grant award is set out in the letter of commitment and will not be changed. Work completed prior to a letter of commitment from the Partnership is not eligible for funding.

What happens after a project is selected for funding?

Work selected for a matching grant must be completed within six (6) months. The six-month time period will begin after the acquisition of any necessary approvals and/or permits. Project applicants have a total of six months to complete any City approval processes. Depending on the scope of the project, extensions may be requested.

The applicant is responsible for obtaining all building permits and any other required City approvals for the work to be done. The applicant is responsible for conformance with all applicable safety standards and conditions. The applicant also agrees to maintain the property and the improvements.

Downtown Frederick Partnership may promote an approved project including, but not limited to, displaying Partnership signage at the site, during and after construction and using photographs and descriptions of the project in the Partnership’s materials.

How do I get reimbursed for my project?

Grant funds are issued on a reimbursement basis and cannot be issued until the project has been completed. Before a check is cut, applicants will need to submit proof of payment for completed work (canceled checks or credit card statements) and a Design Committee member or the Partnership staff must review the completed project to determine that the work performed is consistent with the work approved. Once the work is approved, reimbursement is processed in less than 30 days.

Apply online using the form below, or download a paper version of the application here and submit to kara@downtownfrederick.org.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2025 Façade Improvement Project Grant Application

Please Note: You cannot save an application in progress. We recommend collecting all necessary files ahead of time and preparing your answers in a separate document that you can save. Once submitted, you will receive a time-stamped copy of your application to the email provided.

As an alternative to the online form, you may download a paper version of the application here and submit it to kara@downtownfrederick.org.

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existing contractor of

Name of Applicant *

Name of Business *

Project/Business Address *

Address Line 1

City

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Zip Code

Phone Number *

Fax Number

Email Address *

Property owner's name (if different from above): *

Property owner's address: *

Property owner's phone number: *

Proposed Façade Improvements

Please describe below the proposed improvements to the property. The following must accompany this application: two color photographs that show existing conditions, detailed sketches/drawings of the proposed improvements (including placement, color, dimensions and materials); and two bids on contractor letterhead.

Total Proposed Budget *

Proposed Start Date *Select dateMay 2025June 2025July 2025August 2025September 2025October 2025November 2025December 2025January 2026February 2026March 2026April 2026May 2026June 2026July 2026August 2026September 2026October 2026November 2026December 2026

Estimated Completion *Select dateJune 2025July 2025August 2025September 2025October 2025November 2025December 2025January 2026February 2026March 2026April 2026May 2026June 2026July 2026August 2026September 2026October 2026November 2026December 2026January 2027February 2027March 2027April 2027May 2027June 2027July 2027August 2027

If you are not the property owner, please have the property owner or an authorized representative co-sign this application where indicated in General Conditions.

Click here to download the required General Conditions form.

Upload your signed General Conditions form. *

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Upload a signed W-9 for the grant recipient. *

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Upload TWO color photos of the existing building, at least one photo must show the entire building façade from sidewalk to roof. *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 2 files.

Please Note: TWO photos are required.

Upload detailed sketches or drawings of the proposed improvements as appropriate. *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.

Upload two bids on contractor letterhead. *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 6 files.

Signature *

By typing my name above, I acknowledge that this serves as my electronic signature. I confirm that I have read the grant terms and that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Date *

Submit