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HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-53 Resolution No. 96-53 ,Q-t RESOLUTION 'ING A FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, hereby adopts a Facade Improvement Program 1996 for the improvement, renovation and 1dings to the original architecture of the which is attached. s/ Kevin Kelly Kevin Kelly, Mayor Presented: February 28, 1996 Adopted: February 28, 1996 Omnibus Vote: Yeas 7 Nays 0 Attest: s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk February 28, 1996 ELGIN FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Introduction The City of Elgin has committed itself to revitalization of its center city. This commitment manifests itself in implementation of the Center City Master Plan, a blueprint for redevelopment of Elgin' s center core area. A vital component to the success of this redevelopment effort is the involvement of private property owners . The City hopes to encourage private investment in commercial buildings of the area through a program which offers financial incentives to businesses to improve the appearance and quality of their storefronts . The Elgin Facade Improvement Program is designed to promote storefronts in the City' s center core area. Under the Facade Improvement Program, property owners or business owners within the target area are eligible to apply for grants equal to 35 percent of the cost of improving their storefronts or building facades . These grants are provided in recognition of the positive impact that individual facade renovations can have on the overall appearance and quality of their storefronts . Target Area A map indicating the program's target area is presented as Exhibit A. The building for which assistance through the Facade Improvement Program is sought must be located in the target area. TVpe of Assistance Property owners or business owners who install at least $1,000 of improvement sunder this program will receive a grant equal to 35 percent of the cost of the work, up to a maximum grant of $5,000 per storefront. Owners of buildings or businesses which include two or more separate storefronts may apply for grants of up to $5,000 for each storefront. A storefront is defined as a 30-foot front measured along the street. For each 30 foot increment of front, a pro rata rebate will be applied. Rebates of $2,500 for each story over two stories will be available in addition to the rebate based on storefront. Two or more building owners and/or business owners representing adjacent properties may submit a joint application. In such case, the amount of rebate will be adjusted upward depending upon the number of property owners/business owners involved. No. Properties Percent Rebate 2 40% 3 45% 4 or more 50% It is not the purpose of the program to finance ongoing improvements which may be considered part of the building' s regular maintenance. Each eligible improvement will be funded by the program only once. However, the applicant may present the project in phases with completion scheduled within two years . Each phase shall involve facade improvement not included in any other phase of the project. Rebates may then be approved for each phase. Facade renovations of upper floors may be eligible if first floor improvements are included in the project or if the existing ground floor is compatible with the original building architecture as determined by the City' s staff architect. Ownership Eligible applicants may be the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business in the target area. Business owners who are tenants of a building for which improvements are planned must provide written consent from the building owner for all proposed improvements . The tenant applicant must have at least a five year lease at the location in order to apply under the program. Eligible Improvements The Facade Improvement Program is geared to facade improvements ranging from minor repairs and painting to complete facade renovation. Eligible improvements include brick cleaning and tuck pointing, painting, signs, window display area remodeling, exterior lighting, window and/or door replacement, awnings, restoration of original architectural features and other improvements visible from the street and have a positive appearance of the building. Sandblasting of brick will not be funded under the program nor will the program participate in any project which includes sandblasting. Awnings and canopies may be used as a design element if those features are compatible with the original building design and complement the building' s architectural features . Mansard roofs and fixed shingle canopies will not be an eligible cost under the program. Detailed architectural design work is an eligible cost under the program. All facades generally visible from a public right-of-way, including front, sides and rear of building, are eligible for the Facade Improvement Program. In addition to the financial assistance, applicants will receive a conceptual design and an outline work specification prepared by an architect under contract with the City. 2 The Facade Improvement Application Process_ Application and Administrative Procedures 1 . Merchants or property owners will receive a copy of the Elgin Facade Improvement Program guidelines and application form. The completed application should be submitted to the Program Coordinator for processing along with a $50 . 00 non-refundable application fee. If more applications are received than current funding levels will allow, the City reserves the right to prioritize the applications on the basis of the location of the project, the extent of the work, the level of private funding, and the relative impact of the proposed improvements on the area. 2 . All application materials will be forwarded to an architect under contract with the City. The architect will prepare a conceptual design plan and an outline work specification. On-site inspections or personal interviews with the applicant will be conducted by the architect. 3. The Department of Code Administration, at the request of the Program Coordinator, shall make an inspection of all exterior improvements and file a written report with the Program Coordinator regarding any corrections to be included in the facade improvements . 4 . After the conceptual design and outline specifications are completed, the applicant will meet with the Program Coordinator, Historic Preservation Specialist and Rehabilitation Specialist to discuss the proposed improvements and cost estimates . 5 . Applicant may then choose one of the following courses of action: 1) The applicant may elect to proceed with the application based on the general concept developed by the architect, or 2) The applicant may decide to withdraw from the program at this time. 6 . The Elgin Heritage Commission will review the application and provide comment. The application and accompanying materials will be provided to the Secretary of the Commission who will notify the Commission members of their availability. The Commission will be allowed one week to review the application materials . The Secretary will pass along all comments to the Program Coordinator. Heritage Commission comments are advisory in nature. 7 . The application materials, design drawings and Heritage Commission comments will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator, Historic Preservation Specialist and Rehabilitation Specialist. The application will be approved or disapproved after considering the following: 1) The compatibility of the proposed improvements with the overall architectural design goals for the area; 3 2) The relationship between the proposed improvements and the general character of the streetscape and other buildings in the area; 3) The overall impact of the improvements on the appearance and marketability of the building; 4 ) The relationship between the improvements and the original architecture or historic significance of the building or area; and 5) The recommendations of the City staff and/or the architect regarding any of the above and compliance with City codes . 8 . After the application is approved, and if no further architectural or engineering plans are required, the applicant may begin to solicit bids from contractors of his or her choice. However, if more detailed drawings or specifications are required, the applicant has the following options: 1) The applicant may retain the services of the architect who prepared the conceptual drawings, or 2) The applicant may choose to hire a design professional of his or her own choice. 9 . After the applicant has received at least two bids for each of the approved work items, the applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator as to the contractor selected, the contract amount, and the anticipated date of construction. Copies of all bids and proposals shall be submitted promptly to the Program Coordinator. The applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor. 10 . Upon City approval of the contractor, a Facade Improvement Program Agreement will be drafted and will require that all improvements must be completed within 180 days of the date of the Agreement, unless otherwise authorized by the City; and further stipulate that property owners shall be responsible for property maintaining such facade improvement for a period of five (5) years without alteration unless such changes are submitted for review and approval by the Program Coordinator. A copy of the signed contract for work to be performed shall be made a part of this Agreement. 11 . The specified work items requiring building permits must be obtained before the work begins. Questions regarding permit requirements should be directed to the City' s Department of Code Administration. Permit fees for facade improvements under the program will be waived. 12 . After all necessary permits have been issued, work may proceed. All change orders must be approved by the Program Coordinator in writing. 13 . Upon completion of the project, copies of all bids, contracts, and invoices must be submitted to the Program Coordinator. City staff will inspect the work for compliance with City codes and conformance with the design plans approved for this project. 4 14 . If all of the requirements listed above are satisfied, a check will be issued from the City to the applicant for 35 percent of the total project cost. Note: Payment will be issued only upon completion of all work items as originally approved. Major changes or elimination of certain items in the approved design plan must be approved by City staff review team. 15 . In the event that an application is not approved, the applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council . The applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator, in writing, with a request to appeal within ten working days of receiving notice of the disapproved application. The City Council will hear the appeal and review the arguments from both the applicant and staff. The City Council may vote to uphold or reverse the staff decision. Ineligible Improvements The following improvements are ineligible under the Elgin Facade Improvement Program: 1 . Substantial reconstruction, expansion, or major structural repairs . 2 . Interior remodeling (except window display areas) . 3 . Purchase of furnishings, equipment, or other personal property which does not become a part of the real estate. 4 . Improvements completed or in progress prior to notification of approval . Definitions FACADE The front or main face of a building or other exterior wall which is visible from a public street. STOREFRONT Generally, a storefront can be defined as a 30-foot front measured along the street. Correspondence All questions and comments regarding this Program shall be directed to: Program Coordinator - Facade Improvement Program City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120-5555 5 Facade Improvement Program Partial Restoration Component Purpose The purpose of this component is to provide the participant with an alternative to undertaking a comprehensive exterior restoration project. This program will allow a property owner who is not ready for a full restoration project to make significant positive improvements to the property. Eligible Improvements The following are eligible activities under the partial restoration program: 1. Brick Cleaning. 2 . Tuck Pointing. 3 . Brick Replacement. 4 . Signage. 5 . Awning. 6 . Window Replacement (second story and above only) . 7 . Building Lighting. 8 . Painting for Peeling Paint -- colors to be approved by City -- a choice of recommended colors will be offered. 9 . Replacement of specific architectural features, such as cornice, lintels, etc. 10 . Landscaping - reviewed on a case-by-case basis . Ineligible Activities The following activities are ineligible for rebate under the program: 1 . Roofs . 2 . First floor window and door replacement. 3 . Bulkhead replacement - unless no further storefront work is needed. 4 . Creation of new and/or incompatible architectural features . 6 5. Repair or replacement of architectural features incompatible with original architecture of structure, such as mansard roofs) . Application Interested persons shall complete a program application, including a non-refundable $50 . 00 application fee. Applications shall be submitted to: Director, New Century Partnership for Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis . Project Assessment Upon receipt of application and fee, the City will retain an architect to review the repairs desired by the applicant relative to the subject property. The architect will provide a prioritized list of recommended repairs. Program staff, the architect and applicant will meet to discuss and agree upon repairs to be undertaken. Rebate A rebate of thirty-five percent (35%) of the total project cost, to a maximum of $5,000 . 00 is allowed. Rebate will be made upon completion of the project and upon providing City staff with copies of paid invoices and all contractors ' waivers of lien. Type of Assistance A property owner may participate in the partial restoration program on a one-time basis . However, the property owner may participate in the comprehensive restoration program at a later time. Contract with City of Elgin The applicant will enter into a contract with the City of Elgin in order to formalize participation in the program. The contract will set forth the terms of participation. No activity related to the project shall commence until the contract has been executed, unless approved by the City. 7 L&nrg &m laaar.-T JAR-P-A KIMBALL STREE 1- W r s p OLD f,. .'•�� 1 LOT W W i ma Off= W ' Y/ < �" PARK ]IN - �, LIS11A11+r �; NORTH E OA,W m COUIIT T[ \APL OJ: N R H \ ,p � r ``4%t`0 CIT M \ 011 �t X ...�.... O for FAIIIIING DIVISION \ ►0!T LOT PIC i •� OF/1Ct � W \ HIGHLAND AVENUE `9V1d y� v'�� Cj ...� i 'PL• aWc 0 dpyN\d tp�� EAST CHICAGO STR1 W46 I - HIGHLAND ` �4P u AOOIMSTATION DU PAGE It ♦ 4 � W 0I z FULTON log \� d WEST � E � u . \ - - ~� PRAIRIE �1 ( s SO 4 �'• 4 S�. ., ,�' \ � OLD► ti � . 4, ,w IN ♦ �.'' r' FACADE IMPROVEMENT CHECK LIST DATE Applicant provided with brochure. Application received and prioritized. Code Enforcement inspects applicant' s property. Authorization for architectural services . Architect takes pictures and prepares base rendering. Architect prepares proposed line rendering and discusses with applicant and City representatives and Code Enforcement. Color rendering prepared, with cost estimate, and approved by Program Coordinator, staff architect and Rehabilitation Specialist. Construction quotes received and rebate contract signed. Code Enforcement permits issued. Monitor construction. Waiver of lien received, invoice marked paid, and payout ordered after final inspection. Facade Improvement Program Application and Application Instruction INSTRUCTIONS. Any person or business wishing to participate in the City of Elgin Facade Improvement Program should complete the attached application form and follow the steps presented below. 1 . APPLICATION FORM. The Facade Improvement Program Application should be completed and submitted to: Program Coordinator Facade Improvement Program City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120-5555 2 . APPLICATION FEE. A fifty-dollar ( $50 . 00) non-refundable application fee shall be submitted along with the completed application form. Checks should be made payable to"City of Elgin - Facade Improvement Program" . 3 . After the application materials and fee are received, an architect under contract with the City will contact the applicant to set up a meeting to discuss the project. The product of this meeting will be a conceptual drawing for the structure and outline specifications for the renovation project. 4 . If a conceptual design is agreed upon and the applicant wishes to proceed, the application and all relevant materials will be forwarded to the application review team. 5 . The application will be notified of the review team's decision within twenty-one (21) days of submission of all application materials, including the agreed upon conceptual drawing and the outline application. 6 . In the event that an application is not approved, the Applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council . The applicant shall notify the Program Coordinator, in writing, with a request to appeal within ten ( 10) working days of having received notice that the application was not approved. IMPLEMENTATION 1 . Once an application is approved, and if no further architectural or engineering plans are required, the applicant may solicit bids from, at minimum, two contractors. The applicant may not serve as his/her own contractor. If more detailed drawings are required, the applicant may 1) Retain the services of the architect who prepared the conceptual drawings, or 2) Hire a design professional of his/her choosing. 2 . Upon City approval of the contractor, a Facade Improvement Agreement will be drafted and signed by both parties. 3 . All improvements must be completed within 180 days of signing the Agreement, unless otherwise authorized by the City. 4 . Property or business owners shall be responsible for maintaining the facade for five (5) years without alteration unless approved by the Program Coordinator. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. 5 . Upon completion of the project, copies of all bids, contracts and invoices must be submitted to the Program Coordinator for review. Payment will be issued upon completion of all work items as originally approved. Major changes or elimination of items must be approved by the City. 6 . The cost of work performed prior to approval of the application is not eligible for the rebate. Facade Improvement Program Application Form A non-refundable fee of $50.00 must accompany this application. Checks should be made payable to "City of Elgin - Facade Improvement Program" . 1 . Applicant (Name) Home Address (Street) (City/State/Zip) (Phone) Business Address (Street) (City/State/Zip) (Phone) 2 . Building or establishment for which the rebate is sought. (Street Address) Applicant is : Owner Tenant If tenant, what is term of lease? 3 . Total number of storefronts : Addresses of storefronts : Total number of stories : Facade to be improved: Front Side Rear 4 . Proposed use of program: Canopy/Awning Signage Windows/Doors Exterior Lighting Painting/Tuck Restoration of Architec- Pointing tural Features Brick Cleaning Other (please specify) 5 . Statement of Understanding. A. The applicant (undersigned) agrees to comply with the guidelines and procedures of the Facade Improvement Program and the conceptual design and outline specifications as agreed to by the applicant and the application review team. B. The applicant understands that the applicant must submit detailed cost documentation, copies of building permits, bids, contracts and invoices and contractor' s final waivers of lien upon completion of the approved improvements . Signature: Applicant Signature If the applicant is other than the owner, the following line must be completed: I certify that I, the owner of the property at the do authorize the applicant to apply for a rebate unde Facade Improvement Program and undertake the approved improvements . Date Owner Signature For Office Use Only: Date Application Received: Application Fee Paid: Yes No. If Yes, Check Cash Application I .D. Number: Rebate Approved: Date Total Estimated Project Cost Percent Applied for Rebate Total Amount of Rebate Rebate Denied: Date Reason Program Coordinator