Elgin programs offer grants for rehab, painting of homes in historic districts

Elgin residents can apply now for a grant program designed to help restore homes in the city’s historic districts and a painting program for residents of the Elgin National Watch Historic District.

The Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program, available for the 31st year, 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 help property owners restore missing historic architectural features, making a meaningful impact on both individual homes and the surrounding streetscape.

“Elgin’s rich architectural character is a point of pride, and this program supports responsible stewardship of the historic homes that define our community,” she said.

Applications can be downloaded from the city's website at elginil.gov/339/Historic-Architectural-Rehabilitation-Gr. The deadline for submission is March 27.

The program has awarded more than 430 grants since its inception in 1995, helping property owners complete more than $10.1 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.

Introduced last year, the Historic Paint Grant program provides up to $15,000 for low-moderate income, owner-occupied residential property owners within the Elgin National Watch Historic District to paint the exterior of their property.

The maximum grant amount is $15,000.

“The program has already led to noticeable improvements on several homes and blocks, and we hope it continues to encourage further rehabilitation throughout the district,” Sundquist said.

Applications are available at il-elgin4.civicplus.com/2813/Historic-Paint-Grant and have the same March 27 due date.