The Facade Improvement Grant Program, was established to support and encourage small business to reinvest in the downtown and neighborhood business districts. The Program provides matching grants to small business owners and tenants to assist them in restoring or beautifying their facades or storefronts.

Attractive building facades support and encourage local businesses. They can have a significant effect on the attractiveness and marketability of the surrounding area. To encourage business owners to reinvest in the downtown and smaller, neighborhood business areas, the City of Madison is offering grants to assist in the exterior renovations of these otherwise sound and vital properties.

Grants may be used for comprehensively restoring or substantially beautifying an entire facade which leads to a substantially enhanced appearance.  Work that principally involves minor repairs, painting or maintenance is not eligible. 

The Facade Improvement Grant program is currently federally funded through the American Rescue Plan.

The City of Madison has awarded 99 Facade Improvement Grants, totaling $1,285,200, plus $2,503,800 in private funds were invested in the improvement and beautification of Madison business districts.

Objective

The objective of the Program is to enhance the visual appearance and economic viability of the downtown and smaller neighborhood commercial areas by improving facades that are visible from the street. 

• Program Summary 2024
• Eligible Areas Map
• Application