2024 Renovation Grant Application Deadlines*

July 19, 2024

August 16, 2024

September 20, 2024

October 18, 2024

November 15, 2024

December 13, 2024

*Subject to funding availability

Program Objectives and Description.

The program's objective is to stimulate private investment in the C-4 Central Business District (Map Here). Priority and emphasis will be given to commercial properties closest to the core downtown area facing Liberty and S. Market streets. Projects should focus investment on improvements that will enhance Downtown Commercial activity and viabaility.

The program will provide a partial matching grant for the renovation of commercial properties, thus leveraging City funds by encouraging participants to use personal assets to pay the majority of the costs of the improvements.

Program Operation.

The City of Wooster has partnered with Main Street Wooster to provide funding and management of the program. Through the Program, Main Street Wooster reimburses the business enterprise for a percentage of the cost of the improvements. An approved project is eligible for a grant of 30% of eligible renovation costs not to exceed $5,000.00. The maximum amount of the grant shall not exceed $5,000 unless a request is approved by the Director of Administration based on a finding that the project will have a significant impact on the downtown area. If the Director of Administration makes such a determination, the $5,000 limitation shall be waived. The actual cost of rehabilitation must be determined by a contractor’s estimate for a scope of work approved by the City.

Property Eligibility Requirements.

Grants will be made only for commercial or mixed-use properties located within the C4 Central Business District as defined by the City of Wooster Zoning Code. The building and the activities conducted within the building must conform to all applicable City ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations. Projects that have commenced construction activities prior to obtaining an approved application will not be eligible for the program.

Upon acceptance of the grant reimbursement, the completed façade improvements must be maintained for five years. If improvements are not maintained, then the grant funding must be returned to Main Street Wooster upon demand. 

Qualified applicants will be allocated grant funds on a first come, first serve basis. If there are not sufficient funds to provide grants to all the qualified applicants, the top applicant(s) will be selected using the following criteria:

• Improvements are highly visible to customers, neighboring merchants, and residents
• Improvements or repairs are necessary to prevent damage or deterioration
• Improvements are likely to increase business activity or avoid the loss of business activity
• Proposed work improves and enhances the visual quality of downtown buildings and/or property
• Furthers the objectives of the City of Wooster's Comprehensive Plan
• Enables historical or architecturally significant buildings to be preserved
• Provides for the creation or expansion of retailing and other commercial opportunities
• Location within 5 blocks of Public Square
  The closer to the Liberty St & Market St intersection, the better.
• Grant request is less than 30% of façade project cost
  e.g., if a window replacement project costs $30,000, a $5,000 grant request is less than 30% of the façade project cost
• Building owner is a resident of Wayne County
• Building owner also owns the occupying business
• Improvements address the front façade