New Facade Mini-Grant Program Announced

Small businesses in the city of Houghton could get a free frontal makeover under a new program.  Houghton City Manager Eric Waara presented the Facade Mini-Grant Program at Wednesday’s regular city council meeting.  This program can help local businesses restore the front of their building without incurring a huge expense.

Though larger companies can spend $10,000 or more on renovations, Waara says the Facade Mini-Grants are perfect for smaller businesses looking to do some much needed touch-up work.

The improvements also benefit the city of Houghton as the program means more businesses can be made consistent with the historic character of the downtown.

The funds are already available in the budget for the Downtown Development Authority.  The city council approved a motion at the meeting to designate up to $10,000 of the DDA budget for the program, of which qualifying businesses could receive up to $2,000 for facade improvements.

The City will begin accepting applications for the grants in March with awards given out to recipients this Spring.