Elgin program offers grants to restore historic properties, adds paint program in Watch District

A grant program designed to help restore homes in Elgin's historic districts is back for its 30th year and has added a new painting program for residents of the Elgin National Watch Historic District.

The Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program provides residential property owners of buildings in Elgin’s designated historic districts or landmark properties with reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to restore exterior architectural features.

Elgin’s Historic Preservation Planner Christen Sundquist said the grants give property owners a chance to bring back historic architectural elements that have been lost or covered over the years.

“This is important because many of those missing pieces are what could classify a certain style and would bring a distinct uniqueness back to the districts, especially those properties that are covered in aluminum siding,” she said.

Applications can be downloaded from the city's website at elginIL.gov/historicgrants. The deadline for submission is March 28.

The program has awarded more than 400 grants since its inception in 1995, helping property owners complete more than $9.8 million in rehabilitation projects.

Two levels are available for the rehab grants. The 50/50 Program reimburses 50% of the restoration costs up to $20,000, with a minimum total project cost of $5,000. The project must be completed in 18 months.

The 75/25 Program has a low-moderate income qualification requirement and reimburses 75%, up to $20,000. The minimum total project cost to qualify at this level is $2,500, and the property must be owner-occupied.

New this year is the Historic Paint Grant program, which provides up to $15,000 for low-to-moderate income residents in single-family homes within the Elgin National Watch Historic District to paint the exterior of their property.

“Paint can be a very impactful tool to a streetscape,” Sundquist said.

To qualify, the property must be owner-occupied, and the homeowner must have a low to moderate income. The project must be completed within 12 months.

Applications are available at elginIL.gov/paintgrant and have the same March 28 due date.