Re:New Grant
Take your property improvement project to the next level with the RE:NEW Grant!
Goals
- Enhance the unique character of Durango's Character Districts.
- Support Durango business and property owners.
- Catalyze economic activity while building the tax base.
Overview
The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $5000 for improvements to properties which are visible from the public right-of-way. This incentive program allows the City to help local businesses while leveraging private investment to achieve the goals of the Durango Districts Initiative. Through the Durango Districts initiative, the community will create a unique vision and plan for 10 different mixed-use areas. These community created visions will guide future development allowing the City to be proactive versus reactive as our City experiences growth pressures.
Currently, some of the buildings and properties in the Districts are in need of investment. This grant invites businesses and property owners to help achieve the community vision for these areas by joining the effort to revitalize these essential corridors. Learn more at www.districts.durangogov.org
Program Summary & Eligibility:
The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant. The City’s match may be a maximum of $5,000. Improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and contribute to the unique character of the District. This is a reimbursement grant and payments will be made to property owners after the work is completed. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and all applications must be submitted before November 1st. Projects must be completed by year end. Applications are reviewed by City staff and the final decision is made by the Design Review Board.
Evaluation Guidelines:
Funds are awarded based on professional design concepts and distributed after the project is completed. The Design Review Board will evaluate applications based on:
- Overall impact
- Compatibility & advancement of Design Guidelines
- Visual impact from right of way
- Quality of proposal
Eligible Participants:
- Commercial and mixed-use property owners located in one of Durango's Character Districts.
- Business owners located in one of Durango's Character Districts, with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and written approval from the property owner.
Examples of Eligible Projects:
- Façade improvements such as awnings, windows, and adding appropriate exterior materials
- New or updated signage
- Outdoor seating areas, performance venues, plazas, and other gathering spaces
- Sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ADA compliant ramps • Landscaping including street trees
- Exterior painting and murals
- Professional Services (i.e. Artists, Architects)
What is the RE:NEW grant?
The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $5,000 for improvements to buildings or properties which are visible from the public right-of-way. This program is available to businesses and property owners in one of Durango's Character Districts. The goal of this program is to incentivize and leverage private improvements in order to enhance the character of the district.
Who can apply for funding?
- Commercial and mixed-use property owners located in the one of Durango's Character Districts.
- Business owners located in one of Durango's Character Districts, with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and approval from the property owner.
What type of improvements are eligible?
New Projects - This program is only available for new projects. Applications must be submitted prior to the start of the project.
- Projects that are visible from the public right of way. Can a pedestrian see these improvements walking down the sidewalk?
- Façade improvements such as awnings, windows, and adding appropriate exterior materials
- New or updated signs
- Outdoor seating areas, performance venues, plazas or other gathering spaces
- Sidewalks, curbs, gutter, ADA compliant ramps
- Landscaping including street trees
- Exterior paint and murals
- All projects must comply with the City of Durango’s Design Guidelines and applicable land use standards.
Evaluation Guidelines
Funds are awarded based on professional design concepts and distributed after the project is completed. The Design Review Board will evaluate applications based on:
- Overall impact
- Compatibility with and advancing goals of the Design Guidelines
- Visual impact
- Quality of proposal
How does the application process work?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 1st to November 1st or until grant funds run out. All projects must be completed by December 31st. Grants are reviewed and approved monthly at the Design Review Board Meeting. The Design Review Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Applications must be submitted by the 20th of each month.
Process:
- Pre-application meeting to determine eligibility
- Business or property owner submits an application
- Staff reviews the application for eligibility and completeness
- Design Review Board reviews and determines funding
- Business or property owner completes the project
- Business or property owner requests reimbursement by providing receipts and photos of completed work
- Staff reviews and processes the reimbursement request. Reimbursements can take up to 30 days.
How does the funding work?
This is a matching grant, meaning for every $1 the applicant pays, the City of Durango will pay $1, with a maximum grant contribution of $5000. This is also a reimbursement grant. Applicants will not receive the funding until all the work is completed and receipts are provided. After a reimbursement request is filed, it can take up to 30 days to receive funding.
Are there any Design Guidelines?
- The City of Durango has Commercial Design Guidelines for applicants to follow:
- In addition all projects must comply with Land Use and Development Code.
- For information pertaining to signs and sign permits go to:
What happens after a project is selected for funding?
Projects awarded funding from the RE:NEW Grant must be completed within 90 days of approval - unless otherwise approved by the Design Review Board. All projects must be completed by December 31st . The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and ensuring the work is in compliance with City code.
Submitting Applications
Note all applications are due by 4:00 pm on the 20th of each month.
Applications are open from January 1 to November 1.
Submit all applications using the online form.
Additional questions?
Email: tommy.crosby@durangogov.org or call 970-375-4855