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HomeMy WebLinkAbout91-0626 Facade (2) crdu 6(3/Aidttc,a - • Agenda Item No. )4-d-a- 611- 7!!!!') June 24, 1991 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Larry L. Rice, City Manager SUBJECT: Facade Improvement Program Agreement PURPOSE It is the purpose of this memorandum to request author- ization to sign an agreement regarding the Facade Improvement Program. BACKGROUND In March, 1991, the City Council approved implementation • of the Facade Improvement Program. This program provides participants with a percentage rebate on improvements to building exteriors . To date, the City has received five applications for participation in this program. The first application received was from Jack and Dorothy Reuter for the properties at 163, 165 and 167 East Chicago Street. All steps in the application review process have been completed. The next step would be to enter into an agreement to provide the rebate. FINANCIAL IMPACT The maximum rebate available to the participant would, be $15, 000 . RECOMMENDATION Staff requests authorization from the City Council for the City Manager to execute an agreement with Jack and Doro- thy Reuter for participation in the Facade Improvement Pro- gram. • Larr ice, 'ty Manager LLR:amp Attachments . RESOLUTION • AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Larry L. Rice, City Manager, and Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk, be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a facade improvement program agreement on behalf of the City of Elgin with Jack Reuter and Dorothy Reuter for the property commonly known as 163, 165 and 167 East Chicago Street, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. George VanDeVoorde, Mayor Presented: June 26, 1991 Adopted: Vote: Yeas Nays Recorded: Attest : Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk dor " V RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that it hereby adopts a Facade Improvement Program dated March 27 , 1991 for the improvement, renovation and restoration of buildings to the original architecture of the building, a copy of which is attached. s/ George VanDeVoorde George VanDeVoorde, Mayor Presented: March 27, 1991 Adopted: March 27 , 1991 Vote: Yeas 5 Nays 0 Recorded: Attest: s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk • March 27, 1991 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 com- mercial 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 pos- itive impact that individual facade renovations can have on the overall appearance and quality of their storefronts. C. Target Area A map indicating the program's target area is presented as Exhib- it A. The building for which assistance through the Facade Improvement Program is sought must be located in the target area. Type of Assistance Property owners or business owners who install at least $1,000 of improvements under 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 incre- ment 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 improve- ments 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 exist- ing ground floor is compatible with the original building archi- tecture 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 reno- vation. Eligible improvements include brick cleaning and tuck pointing, painting, signs, window display area remodeling, exterior light- ing, 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 sand- - blasting. 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, includ- ing 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. C • 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 appli- cant will be conducted by the architect. 3. The Bureau of Inspection Services, at the request of the Program Coordinator, shall make an inspection of all exteri- (I_ or 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 Coordi- nator, Plan Examiner and Rehabilitation Specialist to dis- cuss 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 Commis- sion who will notify the Commission members of their avail- ability. The Commission will be allowed one week to review the application materials . The Secretary will pass along all comments to the Program Coordinator. Heritage Commis- sion comments are advisory in nature. 7 . The application materials, design drawings and Heritage Commission comments will be reviewed by the Program Coordi- nator, Plan Examiner and Rehabilitation Specialist. The application will be approved or disapproved after consider- ing the following: 1) The compatibility of the proposed improvements with the overall architectural design goals . for the area; 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 archi- tectural 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 specifica- tions are required, the applicant has the following op- • tions : 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 prompt- ly 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 respon- sible 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 Pro- gram 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 per- mit requirements should be directed to the City's Bureau of Inspection Services. 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, con- tracts, and invoices must be submitted to the Program Coor- dinator.. City staff will inspect the work for compliance with City Codes and conformance with the design plans ap- • proved for this project. • 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 appli- cant may appeal the decision to the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission. The applicant shall notify the program Coordi- nator, in writing, with a request to appeal within ten working days of receiving notice of the disapproved applica- tion. The Program Coordinator will then set up a meeting of the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission to hear the ap- peal . The Greater Downtown Elgin Commission will hear the appeal and review the arguments from both the applicant and staff. The Commission 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 prop- erty 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 di- rected to: Program Coordinator - Facade Improvement Program City of Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120-5555 i 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. Applicant, architect and City representative discuss alter- native designs and needs . Architect prepares proposed line rendering and discusses with applicant and City representatives and Code Enforce- ment. Color rendering prepared, with cost estimate, and approved by Program Coordinator, staff architect and Rehabilitation (I by 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. CITY OF ELGIN FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 Applica- tion 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 materi- als will be forwarded to the application review team. 5. The applicant will be notified of the review team's deci- sion within twenty-one days of submission of all applica- tion materials, including the agreed upon conceptual draw- - ing and the outline application. 6 . In the event that an application is not approved, the appli- cant may appeal the decision to the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission. The applicant shall notify the Program Coordi- nator, in writing, with a request to appeal within seven ( 7) working days of having received notice that the applica- tion was not approved. F . IMPLEMENTATION 1 . Once an application is approved, and if no further architec- tural or engineering plans are required, the applicant may solicit bids from, at minimum, two contractors. The appli- cant 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 choos- ing. 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 sign- ing the Agreement, unless otherwise authorized by the City. 4 . Property or business owners shall be responsible for main- taining 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, con- C= tracts and invoices must be submitted to the Program Coordi- nator 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 applica- tion is not eligible for the rebate. I J _ �. CITY OF ELGIN 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 Improve- ment 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 (I; If tenant, what is term of lease? NOTE: A tenant applicant must have, at minimum, a five-year lease at the location in order to apply. 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 Im- provement Program and the conceptual design and outline specifications as agreed to by the appli- cant 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 com- pletion 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 do authorize the applicant to apply for a rebate under—the Fa- cade Improvement Program and undertake the approved improvements. Owner Signature Date 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 C' Flik 1 Eltfivt.in Ai : 4c4 ICIr tic,. •,._ Agenda Item No . 6.1 4• .i.,,___ __)oo.i,� _:, • 9po'PoEDF March 6 , 1991 - TO: Mayor and Members of the. City Council - FROM: Larry L. Rice, City Manager • SUBJECT: Facade Improvement Program PURPOSE To request Council approval of a facade improvement program. BACKGROUND One of the goals of the Center City redevelopment effort III is the. improvement of the appearance of the area through renovation of existing structures. One means by which to encourage improvements to these buildings is the offering of financial incentives to business owners and propertyowners . The City has provided a facade improvement loan program funded by Community Development Block Grant funds since 1983. To date, there have been no participants. There have been several reasons given for this lack ofparticipation, not the least of which is hesitancy of the small business to take on additional debt. This proposed program will operate as a rebate given on- the cost of renovations made. The re bate program will focus on improvements and renovations which complement or restore the original architecture of the build - ing. A draft program manual is attached. FINANCIAL' IMPACT' The City will provide each approved applicant who com • - pletes the improvement project with a rebate of up to $5,000 , per storefront, plus - where applicable - a rebate of $2,500 for each building story over two stories which is included in - the project. Funding of $147,000 is included in the budget 111 for 1991 to handle this and the commercial rehab programs . 4T1.4, 9 cc • , Mayor and Members of the City Council March 6 , 1991 Page 2 t'll RECOMMENDATION The Center City Redevelopment Committee requests the Council to consider this proposed program and, recommends its approval . . . - . ',. _..,-1 CL-1.4-4--/ ) Larry L.' Rice, ICity Manager LLR:amp Attachments . , . 410 . . . . , . . ARA 45,7. - • . ' . . City of Elgin Facade Improvement Program 1996 Applicants 1. 18-20 Douglas Street (preparation of agreement underway) est. project cost: $63,476.00:'. 2. 210-212 Prairie Street (application inactive at request of owner) 3. 100 East Chicago Street-Tower Building (drawings completed, request being made to City Council for additional funding by owner) est. project cost: $295,550 4. 166 North Street (preparation of preliminary drawings and project cost estimate underway) 5. 231 Douglas Street -__ 6. 165 Kimball 7. 201-203i E. Chicago 8. 158 E. Chicago (owner is considering reactivation of an application submitted in 1992)• 9. 15 N. State Street (application inactive at request of owner)