Grant Guidelines

The Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program supports the goals of the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal Plan by encouraging rehabilitation of existing buildings, eliminating blight, improving appearance, and creating jobs and/or housing. The program is not intended for general or deferred maintenance.

Eligible Applicants

• Property owners within the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal District. View a map of the Greater Urban Renewal District

Grant Amount

• 1:1 matching grant up to $35,000 maximum per tax parcel; no more than two grants within a larger project.

Eligible Uses of Funds

1. Façade Improvements

• Labor and materials to improve or restore front façades (two façades for corner buildings).
• Work may include windows, paint, signage, awnings, or removing inappropriate alterations.

2. Financial Consultant Costs

• Fees for hiring professionals (financial consultant, attorney, accountant, tax credit consultant) to analyze project feasibility.

3. Planning & Design Costs

• Pre-development services such as architectural and engineering fees, feasibility studies, and environmental assessments.

General Requirements

• Property must be within the District and be an existing structure.
• Must be commercial or multi-residential for tax classification.
• One grant per tax parcel; no more than two grants within a larger project.
• Existing code deficiencies must be corrected; all work must comply with codes.
• Owners must certify all their Dubuque properties comply with city ordinances.
• Exterior changes require design review and approval.
• Non-compliant signs must be brought into compliance as part of the project.
• Clear scope of work including detailed plans with specifications, materials, finishes and dimensions is required.
• No reimbursement for personal or family labor, or developer fees.
• Deviation from the approved plan may result in disqualification.
• Projects must be ready to start within 12 months.

Façade Grant Requirements

• Reimbursement covers labor and materials that significantly improve appearance following City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines or Downtown Design Guidelines, as applicable. Review the Design Guidelines
• All façades facing public rights-of-way must be improved consistently.
• Landscaping or screening may qualify if it improves public-facing areas.
• Mortar analysis may be required for repointing.
• Funding is 1:1 match after project completion and certificate of occupancy.

Financial Consultant Grant Requirements

• Reimbursement only for professional consultant fees i.e., accountant, attorney, tax credit consultant.
• Funding is 1:1 match after project completion and certificate of occupancy.

Planning & Design Grant Requirements

• Covers pre-construction professional services i.e., architect, engineer, feasibility study, environmental assessment.
• Owner/developer fees are not eligible.
• Funding is 1:1 match after project completion and certificate of occupancy.

Approval Process

1. Design review by the City Planning Department and/or the Historical Preservation Commission is required for exterior work on the project.
2. Grant applications will be reviewed by City staff Review Committee and approved by the City Manager.
3. Funding will be disbursed upon staff review of documented expenditures and inspection of a completed project.