City offering grant funds toward historic district rehab projects

Submitted by city of Elgin

Applications for the 2013 Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program are available at the city of Elgin’s Community Development Department at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.

Since the inception of the program in 1995, the city has awarded more than 325 grants, assisting property owners with the completion of more than $6 million in rehabilitation projects.

The Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program provides residential property owners of structures in designated historic districts with reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 for the restoration of exterior architectural features.

Ÿ The 50/50 Program features a reimbursement of 50 percent up to $20,000 maximum and a $5,000 minimum total project cost to qualify. The project must be completed in 18 months. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.

Ÿ The 75/25 Program features a reimbursement of 75 percent up to $20,000 maximum and a $2,500 minimum total project cost to qualify. The project must be completed in 18 months. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.

Ÿ The Exterior Paint Program features an initial 100 percent grant of $2,500, with the remaining cost reimbursed at 75 percent up to $10,000 maximum. Paint colors are subject to review. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program will end when the allotted funding has been committed or on Oct. 1, 2013.

For information or applications, contact Amy Munro, Historic Preservation and Grants Planner for the city of Elgin, at (847) 931-6004.

The 75/25 and Exterior Paint Programs are targeted for low- to moderate-income property owners. The funding for the Exterior Paint Program is available until funding runs out. Call (847) 931-6004 to verify if you qualify for assistance.