The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) established its Façade Improvement Grant Program to encourage the renovation and preservation of exterior building features in Alpena’s downtown district. The initiative aims to enhance the historical integrity and visual appeal of the area, promoting investment in existing infrastructure and reinforcing the district’s unique architectural character. The program is designed to support transformational, not merely maintenance-level, improvements to building facades.

Eligible properties include both commercial/mixed-use and residential buildings located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s downtown district. Commercial and mixed-use properties are eligible if they are involved in retail, commercial, entertainment, mixed-use, or office service activities. As of February 2024, residential properties—such as single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and rentals—are also eligible, following the program's expansion and the establishment of a separate funding pool designated for residential properties.

The grant will fund up to 50 percent of eligible façade improvement costs, with a cap of $10,000 per façade. Eligible expenditures under this program include brickwork, siding, windows, paint, signage, and awnings. Importantly, the funding is meant to support projects that significantly improve the structure’s appearance and contribution to the district’s character, rather than fund simple upkeep or routine maintenance.

All façades that front a public right-of-way—such as streets, alleys, or public parking lots—are eligible for improvement funding. Applications are reviewed on a biannual basis, with the next two application deadlines set for May 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.

To apply or receive more information about the program, interested parties are encouraged to contact Anne Gentry, Executive Director of the Alpena DDA, at anneg@alpena.mi.us or by phone at 989-356-6422. There are no explicit evaluation criteria or formal submission requirements mentioned in the provided information, so applicants are advised to reach out directly for application materials and additional details.