Purpose

To provide an economic incentive to:

• Renovate storefronts in downtown Albemarle

• Encourage good design projects that capitalize on the rehabilitation of existing properties

• Preserve unique historic characteristics

 

Eligibility

Owner(s) or tenant(s) of a building located within the Central Business District (CBD), City of Albemarle
Historic District (COA HD) or Municipal Service Tax District (MSTD) as defined in the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation service area. Click here to view the downtown district maps. Please click the above PDF icon for full eligibility guidelines.

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Guidelines

1. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation will be used as guidelines in making
improvements to the façade of the structure.
2. Rehabilitation of structures in the CBD, COA HD, or MSTD should be considered a contemporary solution that respects the architectural integrity of the entire building front, retaining those elements that enhance the building.
3. All rehabilitation design proposals will meet with the code requirements of the City of Albemarle.
4. Any exterior renovation proposal - from entire facade rehabilitation to the replacement of an inappropriate sign - is eligible for funding, but top priority will be given to projects that will make a highly visible contribution to the commercial district.
5. All signage must meet with local zoning or ordinance restrictions. If a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for the work to be done, the Design Committee will not review or consider the application until prior approval is received by the Design Review Board.
6. The Design Committee will not approve any grant requests for business name(s) on awnings.​

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Process for Receiving Grant:

1. Applications can be submitted year-round. Owner(s)/tenant(s) complete application, including sign plans or sketches and owner’s permission, if necessary, and return to Albemarle Downtown. Design and technical assistance may be provided by Albemarle Downtown
2. Albemarle Downtown will review completed applications and upon approval, requests check be issued for 1/2 the actual project cost or $1,500, whichever is less, provided the work is accomplished in accordance with the agreement.

3. A Notification Letter will be sent to applicant as to whether the project has been accepted as described in the application, accepted with conditions, or rejected.
4. All decisions made by the Design Committee are final.

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For more information or to apply, please click the above PDF icon.

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Have a question? Contact Katie Lynn at 704-984-9420.​