Facade program updated
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GLADSTONE -- Terms are changing for a form of assistance available to business owners in downtown Gladstone.
The city has offered facade grants -- loans for businesses operating in the downtown district to improve the exteriors of their premises -- in multiple past years. A new cycle is beginning in October, and some adjustments are “are intended to simplify administration, reduce barriers to participation, and better position the program to support smaller, highly visible improvement,” according to a staff report from Community Development Director and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Patricia West.
Through the facade grant program, the DDA administers funds to property owners for the “restoration, preservation, and renovation of downtown buildings within the designated downtown district,” read the facade grant contract agreement published by the DDA in 2024. Distribution of monies was contingent on the projects being properly permitted, completed within a year and using greater or equal funds from property owners.
After reintroducing the program in 2024 after a haitus, “we just feel like we haven’t really gotten the traction on it that we had hoped for,” West told the Gladstone City Commission at a meeting on Monday. After feedback from business owners, a report from the Michigan Municipal League, and discussion within the DDA, new guidelines for the program were proposed to council — and approved.
In prior seasons, businesses seeking facade grants were required to pay for at least half of the total project cost. That’s changing in 2026 and 2027, with the Gladstone DDA now offering to cover up to 75% of a project’s total cost, so long as the DDA’s contribution does not exceed $5,000 per project.
Widening the application window was another measure to make the grant more attractive. It’s now available year-round.
“This year we do have about $25,000 set aside in funding, but with the intent that that would renew each fiscal year as we go through the budget cycle as well,” said West. The fund balance would likely fluctuate, she noted, with perhaps different amounts available from year to year.
The new adjustment that might be a little disappointing to businesses but will ultimately reduce confusion at City Hall is that the facade grant is now moving to a reimbursement model, meaning the city will pay the business back for their portion of the project (75% or less) after work is complete.
Additional applicants are welcomed this time around, though -- not just property owners but tenants are also allowed to apply, so long and the owner gives approval.
The final change offers some relief -- in prior years, a lien was placed on the property. That has been omitted.
Contractors are still to be chosen and booked by the business.
Past recipients of grants through Gladstone’s facade program include the Dew Drop Family Restaurant, the Rialto Center mural, Gladstone Dairy Flo, Rock Electric and Gladstone Eye Care.
In other business at the Gladstone City Commission meeting of Sept. 28:
– Discussion of environmental assessment determinations around Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-assisted projects was tabled for a future meeting as an attorney’s review was not ready.
– Paula Waeghe was reappointed to the Gladstone Housing Commission.
– Payment was approved for a PK Contracting invoice for $19,729.71 and a Chemtrade Chemicals invoice for $7,056.94.
– A change order requested by C2AE for the project to improve the wastewater collection system raised the contract price by $87,739.28. Wastewater Superintendent Rodney Schwartz said that the reason for the unexpected cost was the existing soils were not good for compaction, and material had to be brought in. Despite the increase, only 33% of the budgeted contingency funds have now been used.
– Disbursement of $330,015.97 for collection system improvements was approved.
– City Clerk Kim Berry was authorized to appoint the necessary election inspectors as needed for the Nov. 4 election.
– For Phase II of renovations to the Gladstone Marina, a bid for dockage from Flotation Docking Systems, Inc. for $231,200 was accepted. The project is being supported by a MDNR Waterways Grant to replace four transient docks.
– For the same marina project, but on the electrical side, the low bid of $97,495 from Master Electric was approved.
– A contract between IBEW 876 union and the city was approved; the commission authorized Mayor Joe Thompson and City Manager Spreitzer to sign.
– MERS Defined Contribution Plan Adoption Agreement was approved.
– Eric Buckman was approved to continue serving as the City of Gladstone’s volunteer representative on the Delta Area Transit Authority board.