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6.3B <br /> Page 18 <br /> ATTACHMENT D <br /> STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM/DESIGN ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROGRAM <br /> REQUIREMENTS <br /> Program Description <br /> The Redwood City Redevelopment Agency (Agency) offers business and property <br /> owners matching grants between $25,000 and $50,000 per building with a 50% match <br /> requirement for approved renovations and improvements to commercial and mixed-use <br /> properties. Successful applicants for Storefront Improvement Program ("SIP") grants <br /> may also be reimbursed for design assistance services up to a maximum amount of <br /> $7,000. The two programs are intended to enhance the visual appearance and <br /> economic viability of commercial properties within the Downtown Precise Plan <br /> boundaries and encourage new private investment. <br /> Eligibility <br /> The Storefront Improvement Program is intended to enhance commercial or mixed-use <br /> buildings requiring facade renovation and improvements and improved exterior <br /> accessibility. Eligible improvements, in addition to those identified above, include the <br /> rehabilitation of historic facades, exterior repairs, windows, detailing, painting, cleaning, <br /> removal of old signs and installation of new signage, new awnings, exterior lighting <br /> fixtures, and graphics. To be eligible, improvements must be visible from the sidewalk or <br /> other public right-of-way. All fees and permits related to such work are eligible costs. <br /> If the program applicant is a business owner and not the property owner, the applicant <br /> must have a lease with a minimum of three years remaining from the date of application <br /> as well as the signed consent of the property owner. <br /> Projects will be evaluated for grants based on'their fulfillment of the following broad <br /> goals: <br /> • Visual impact on the commercial district <br /> • Clustering of projects for maximum impact <br /> • Contribution of project to economic vitality of the commercial district <br /> • Enhancement of property appearance and/or historic integrity of district <br /> • Sustainability, accessibility, quality of life/good neighbor improvements <br /> Participants will be required to enter into a Grant and Maintenance Agreement for a <br /> period of 3-5 years, depending on the grant amount. The reimbursable grant will be paid <br /> upon the completion of improvements, submittal of required documentation, and the <br /> opening of the business. <br /> Design Assistance Services <br /> Separate grants up to $7,000 for design assistance services also will be available to SIP <br /> grant recipients. The Agency will have conceptual prototype facade designs prepared for <br /> grant applicants to use as guides. Reimbursable design services will include drawings, <br /> rough cost estimates and revisions to designs based on responses from property and <br /> business owners. The cost of eligible design services, up to a specified maximum <br /> amount, will be reimbursed to the SIP grant recipients upon commencement of <br /> construction of the storefront improvements. The Agency-approved design <br /> professionals may include architects, graphic designers, interior designers, and <br /> merchandizing specialists. All design professionals must be approved by the Agency. <br /> The work to be paid for by the SIP grants will be in accordance with the design services <br /> provided. <br /> ATTY/AGR/2010.112 ATTACHMENT D <br /> 9128/10 <br />