Funding available

The available funding is based on the square footage of the eligible façade. Buildings within the program areas can receive $20 per square foot, with a maximum of $50,000 per building, based on total project cost. Applicants must provide a match equal to or greater than twenty percent of the amount awarded through this program. The match must be spent on the façade improvement project.

The program funding will be provided in form of a loan which is forgiven over a five year period, providing the property continues to be maintained in accordance with the program requirements, such as retention of ownership, maintenance of the façade, and payment of all property taxes due.

Design Guidelines

Eligible proposals will be required to follow design guidelines provided for this program. These guidelines are provided to assure appropriateness of the proposed work, and to provide for compatibility with the affected building's original appearance and with other area buildings. For buildings not within an H-l overlay and not otherwise designated as historic, the design guidelines are provided to essentially 'do no harm to the possibility of a future historic designation.

In the case of buildings within an H-1 overlay or otherwise designated as historic, the façade improvements must meet all applicable historic preservation requirements in addition to the program's façade improvement design guidelines and program requirements.

Design Review Committee

Applications will be considered by a Design Review Committee in order to assure, through an equitable process, that the application meets all applicable design-guidelines.

Architectural Drawings and Specifications

Applicants will be required to include architectural drawings and specifications of the proposed façade improvements as part of their application.

Architectural assistance for design of improvements - architectural costs (up to $1,000) associated with façade improvements to a building may be used as part of the applicant's required match funding, providing the property owner utilizes the architectural plans in the building renovation.

Financing Policies

1. Reimbursements - all assistance is on a reimbursement basis following completion of the project. The total reimbursement for all forms of façade improvement assistance shall not exceed $50,000 per project. Projects must be completed within three months of the start of construction, unless the City approves a longer timeline, at the City's sole discretion.
2. Security - the façade improvement project reimbursement will be secured by a. deed of trust on the real estate for the requisite term which will self-amortize proportionally each year; providing the property continues to be maintained in accordance with the program requirements, such as retention of ownership, maintenance of the façade, and payment of all property taxes due.
3. Repayments - No repayments will be required if all terms are met.
4. Default - A recipient shall be considered in default and the balance of financial assistance immediately due and payable upon failure of the borrower: to retain ownership of the property for the duration of the forgivable loan, failure to properly maintain the façade after improvements are completed, delinquency ill property taxes; or failure to operate in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations.
5. Remedies of Default - In the event of default, the City may exercise any combination of the remedies available to it with respect to the security agreement(s). The City may take whatever action at law, or in equity, as may appear necessary or desirable to collect any outstanding balance or to enforce the performance and observation of any other obligation or agreement of the recipient.
6. Ineligible Activities - Applications which will not be considered for financial assistance are those which:

General Requirements

1. All work must be done in accordance with the Design Guidelines, all applicable local, state and federal codes, and rules and regulations for the Community Development Block Grant program. Any renovation work undertaken prior to the City's final written authorization to begin construction is not eligible for assistance under the program. All renovation work undertaken in conjunction with the façade improvement program which exceeds approved financial assistance shall be borne by the applicant.
2. All construction management shall be the responsibility' of the applicant. All work undertaken is subject to the Davis Bacon Act.
3. Properties with residential components will be required to meet applicable lead-based paint abatement requirements.
4. Each recipient will be responsible for all acquisition and relocation costs when displacement of residential or nonresidential tenants occurs as a result of the project, in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Act. If temporary tenant relocation will be required for this project, contact the City for further guidance prior to submitting this application.
5. All applicants shall be required to demonstrate compliance with nondiscriminatory employment practices and Affirmative Action Programs under Title VI and Section 112 of the Civil Rights Act of 1969 and Public Law 92-65. Applicants are encouraged, to utilize minority and women-owned business enterprises under this program.
6. The City, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Comptroller General of the United States, 'or any duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers and records which are directly related to the program assistance for the purposes of monitoring, making audits, examination, excerpts, and transcripts. All records supporting the costs and components of program assisted improvements shall be maintained for a period not less than three (3) years following completion of the program agreement period, agreement termination, or default, whichever shall first occur. No person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, appointed official, or elected official of the City of Knoxville who exercise or have exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to CDBG activities, or are in a position to participate in a decision-making process, or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a personal or financial interest or benefit, or have interest in any program assistance, either for themselves or those with whom they have family or business ties, during their tenure or for one year thereafter.