Downtown Improvement Grant Program 2024 Approved English

Program Purpose

The Downtown Investment Program provides reimbursement grants to promote revitalization and activation of downtown West Chicago. The program aims to improve the overall image and increase property values, remove adverse conditions by encouraging private investment in property rehabilitation, assist property and business owners with restoration and modernization of existing structures, and further the objectives of the Downtown TIF II Redevelopment Plan.

Eligible Properties

Commercial and mixed-use properties located within Downtown TIF District No. 2 improved with existing buildings are eligible. Properties and spaces used only for residential purposes are not eligible for grant funding.

Applicant Eligibility

• Property and business owners of eligible properties within Downtown TIF District No. 2
• Lessees with a remaining lease term of not less than five (5) years
• Applicants must not be delinquent in payment of any tax, fine, fee, or special assessment owed to the City, County, or State

Eligible Expenses

• Major Improvements: significant projects that substantially change visual appearance, increase value, and/or marketability
• Minor Improvements: incremental improvements that increase value and/or marketability while improving aesthetic and functional use
• Maintenance Items: modifications that bring buildings into code compliance and prevent deterioration
• Streetscape Improvements: elements that make noticeable improvement to curb appeal
• Design fees related to eligible improvements

Ineligible Expenses

• Improvements completed prior to approval and execution of a Grant Agreement
• Improvements that do not comply with approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), building permits, and/or zoning regulations
• Improvements that increase non-conforming conditions
• Labor associated with work performed by applicants and/or property owners
• Work required to address code violations identified on a Notice To Appear (NTA)
• New or replacement wall signs; non-permanent interior improvements (paint, tile, flooring, lighting fixtures, moveable furniture); interior improvements in residential spaces; media marketing and advertising

Funding Maximums

Funding awards are determined by the lowest of three estimates submitted for the project scope, up to the maximum reimbursement listed by Funding Category. The maximum funding awarded for improvements to a single eligible property over the life of the Program is $100,000. Building permit fees (excluding third-party review and inspection fees) for approved projects will be reduced by fifty percent (50%).

Design Guidelines

All proposed exterior improvements within the Turner Junction Historic District shall be compatible with the downtown area, focusing on restorative construction and compatibility with original building materials, styles, predominant color schemes, and window configurations.