By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – Downtown businesses can get assistance from the city when putting an awning on the front of their building as part of the downtown project.
The City of Humboldt officially approves a canopy replacement program for downtown businesses. As part of the downtown revitalization project the city has agreed to assist in the financial cost of getting an awning for any downtown business. City Administrator Travis Goedken helps break down some of the details for businesses.
In short, the awning specific is an add-on to a recent program created by the city. Goedken calls this explanation the “quick and easy” version of the program approved by the city council. The whole program is an urban area renewal program implemented last year by the city in conjunction with the downtown revitalization project.
As part of the program the city will go 50-50 on the cost of an awning up to $2,500. This amount was agreed upon by the council after discussion. Goedken confirms that if business wants to put up an awning that cost $5,000 the city will cover $2,500. If a business is approved and puts up an awning that cost less, the city will pay 50% of the awning cost.
For a business to be eligible for the program, the city only asks that the downtown businesses put up a rigid structure. Goedken says that the city will not agree to pay for a crank out or collapsible hanging awning. He does say a business can put up a retractable frame if they wish but they would not be eligible for the awning replacement grant. Other than that restriction, the city has no other real requirements for eligibility such as a color pallet.
There a total of three grants associated with the urban area renewal program which all can be applied for via the same application. The awning specific program (up to $2,500) which can be combined with a facade improvement grant (up to 3,000). The third grant was for the roof replacement (up to $5,000). The city also has a pre-existing facade improvement program that is separate from the urban renewal plan (up to $2,000).
The deadline for a business filing an application for the awning specific program will be the end of the calendar year. Those with questions in regards to the awning replacement or urban area renewal program should contact Humboldt City Hall directly at 515-332-3435.