EASTON MAIN STREET INITIATIVE

EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA

DESIGN CHALLENGE GRANT PROGRAM AND GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING AND FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS

Purpose and Scope

In order to encourage rehabilitation of building façades and streetscape improvements in the downtown business district, the Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) is able to use funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to financially assist property and business owners in completing their projects. 

Eligible buildings must be located in the Main Street district which is indicated on the map below in green. Most street-facing exterior improvements will be considered for the grant including paint, windows, repointing, doors, façade repair/ restoration, and signage. In addition to physical improvements, professional design services are also eligible for assistance under this program. 

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Available Funds for Façade Improvements

This grant program will reimburse property and business owners a fifty percent match of project costs up to $5,000. For example, if a project costs a total of $10,000, $5,000 will be reimbursed. Projects exceeding $10,000 will only be eligible for a maximum reimbursement of $5,000. Façade improvement projects exceeding $25,000 in cost are not eligible for this program. 

Available Funds for Design Services

This grant program will reimburse property and business owners up to $500 for professional design fees related to a façade improvement project. Reimbursement will be made in full with no match requirement for design fees up to the stated maximum allowance.

Available Funds for Signage

This grant program will reimburse property and business owners a fifty percent match of signage costs up to $1,500. Sign projects that exceed $3,000 are only eligible for a maximum reimbursement of $1,500.

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Evaluation Criteria and Approvals

A full set of guidelines, along with the application can be downloaded HERE.

This is a competitive process. Applications will be reviewed by the committee and evaluated on a point system scale.

Additional links: Historic District Commission Website | Historic District Commission Certificate of Appropriateness Application

If you need additional assistance, please call Julie VanOsdol at 610-674-5092 or email julie@eastonpartnership.org.