Local businesses take advantage of Facade Grants offered through Ringgold DDA
The Ringgold Downtown Development Authority has begun accepting application for the Fall Facade Grant program. The Facade Grant Program is a fundraiser supported effort by the DDA to help downtown businesses repair or restore their historic storefronts. The application period will be open until August 14, after which, projects will be scored on a variety of criteria for encouraging restoration and improving the look of downtown.
The program is offered to business or commercial property owners that operate within the DDA zone surrounding the historic downtown block of Ringgold. The program is limited to properties zoned C-3 "Sidewalk Commercial," and has a maximum award amount of $1,000. "The program is a matching grant," explains Rhonda Johnson, Main Street manager, "which means that the DDA will provide 50% of the project cost to approved projects up to a maximum award of $1,000."
The program allows for renovations and improvements such as new awnings, windows, doors, and painting that restores or improves the look of a commercial property. Eligible project applications are reviewed by the DDA Board and scored to determine which projects will be awarded full or partial funding. Once approved, the projects will be completed by November 13.