Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program

The Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program is a local economic revitalization initiative established by the City of Battle Ground, Washington as part of the implementation strategy for the Old Town Sub-Area Plan adopted in 2025. The program was created through a community-driven planning effort focused on improving pedestrian access, traffic circulation, public gathering spaces, visual appeal, and long-term commercial viability within Battle Ground's historic Old Town district. The City Council allocated $50,000 in the City's 2026 budget to support private investment in commercial storefront and facade improvements that align with the City's redevelopment goals and design standards for the area. The grant program provides reimbursement-based funding to eligible applicants for exterior improvements to qualifying commercial properties located within the designated Old Town Area. The City will reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant award of $10,000 per applicant. Eligible improvements are limited to street-facing exterior enhancements intended to improve the visual quality and functionality of commercial buildings. Examples of eligible activities include storefront renovations, replacement or enhancement of doors and windows, exterior carpentry work such as fascia improvements and decorative design features, signage, painting, awnings, lighting, and murals or permanent exterior artwork. The program specifically excludes interior renovations, roof repairs, sidewalk repair or replacement, routine maintenance, furnishings, landscaping items, non-permanent fixtures, payment of City permit fees, payment for an applicant's own labor, and any work already completed or underway prior to application submission. Eligible applicants include retail or commercial property owners within the designated Old Town eligibility area, as well as business lessees who obtain written authorization from the property owner. Properties must be located along East Main Street between North Parkway Avenue and Fairgrounds Avenue, or along NE and SE 1st Streets between North Parkway Avenue and Fairgrounds Avenue. Applicants must possess a valid business license and both the business and property owner must be in good standing with the City of Battle Ground and compliant with all applicable municipal code requirements. Proposed projects must comply with all applicable building codes, Battle Ground Municipal Code requirements, local and state laws, and the City's design standards including the Old Town Style Guide incorporated within the Old Town Sub-Area Plan. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and only complete applications will be reviewed. The application period opens May 1, 2026 and closes June 30, 2026. Following submission, City staff review applications for eligibility and completeness and schedule meetings with applicants to discuss project details and the City's permitting and review process. Successful applicants are expected to receive notice of award by July 6, 2026. Prior to construction, approved applicants must execute a separate grant agreement with the City outlining project responsibilities, project scope, funding match obligations, reimbursement requirements, timeline expectations, and acknowledgment of applicable prevailing wage requirements. The application process requires detailed project documentation, including a project description, architectural drawings or renderings, cost estimates, a schedule for completion, and information regarding the applicant's matching contribution. Applicants must also provide contractor information and verify that contractors possess valid Washington contractor licenses and Battle Ground business endorsements. Depending on project scope, City building permits may also be required before construction can begin. Applicants acknowledge through the application that they are responsible for all project cost overruns beyond the approved grant amount and that reimbursement will only occur after completion and City approval of the work. Projects funded under the program are subject to Washington State prevailing wage laws under RCW 39.040.010 and RCW 39.12. Applicants must provide proof of contractor payment, Labor and Industries prevailing wage documentation, and allow City inspection and approval before reimbursement funds are issued. If total project costs exceed $75,000, state procurement laws also apply. All construction activities and reimbursement requests must be completed and submitted to the City by December 31, 2026. Questions regarding the program and required application materials are directed to Robert Ferrier, Deputy City Manager for the City of Battle Ground, via exec.info@cityofbg.org or by phone at 360-342-5000. The grant program materials also note that submitted application materials may constitute public records subject to disclosure under Washington State law.

Submit a complete application with detailed renderings and cost estimates because applications are reviewed in the order received and only complete applications will be considered. Ensure all improvements comply with the Old Town Style Guide and municipal code requirements before submission. Demonstrate clear matching fund capacity and realistic project timelines to improve competitiveness.