2010 Facade Rebate Program

The City of Chicago has announced the launch of its 2010 Facade Rebate Program, which offers rebates to eligible commercial and industrial businesses and property owners who complete qualified facade rehabilitation projects. An eligible "facade" is the front face or elevation of the building, which typically faces the street and contains windows and the principal entrance to the building.

The 2010 Facade Rebate program provides grants up to $20,000 and is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which funds projects in low- to moderate-income communities.

The 2010 CDBG-funded Facade Rebate Program application window is officially open. The City will accept applications until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010.

Things to note about the 2010 Facade Rebate Program:

* Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, July 30, to attn: Dionne Baux, DCD, 121 N. LaSalle Rm 1006, Chicago, IL 60602.
* NEW: The maximum rebate is 50% up to $20,000 per project (this is an increase from $10,000 in 2009)
* Applicants must comply with federal requirements for CDBG-funded projects, including prevailing wages. Commercial and industrial projects must be in a low- or moderate-income community. Applicants can confirm their status by contacting Ms. Baux.
* In anticipation of receipt of more applications then available funds, DCD will use a lottery method to select applicants.
* Applicants in a TIF district with a SBIF (Small Business Improvement Fund) are not eligible for the Facade Rebate Program so that funds can be conserved for businesses that do not have access to SBIF.
* Buildings where a prior or existing tenant or property owner has participated in the Facade Rebate Program within the last 3 years for commercial projects or industrial projects are not eligible for the program.
* Funds for projects that are receiving or have received other types of City financial assistance are netted out from the potential Façade Rebate amount.

For the application materials and more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/dcd. Under "Service Providers", click on "Economic Development" then under "Services", click on "Apply for the Facade Rebate Program".

Applicants should contact Dionne Baux, DCD with questions at 312-744-0678 or dionne.baux@cityofchicago.org.