Historic District

Facade Improvement Grant Application Process

FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:

STEP 1: PRE-APPLICATION
● Contact the Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Board for a pre-application packet, which also contains the program and design guidelines as well as other helpful information.  The point of contact is Mrs. Cindy Ridge, owner of the Silk House Cafe at 317 14th Street.  Cindy can be reached at (724) 385-0172 or silkhousecafe@gmail.com.
● Submit your pre-application to the Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Board.  The building owner must agree to the work and five-year lien on the building.

● Do not do any work on your facade prior to receiving the Certificate of Appropriateness from the Ambridge Borough Office and written notice from the Community Development Program of Beaver County.

STEP 2: FINAL DESIGN AND HISTORIC REVIEW
● All projects must adhere to the Facade Improvement Program Design Guidelines provided with your pre-application packet.
● Submit your final design to the Ambridge Borough Office for review by the Ambridge Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB).  After reviewing the proposed project, the HARB will offer its opinion as to the appropriateness of the work and its conformity to the Ambridge Historic District Design Guidelines. If the HARB finds that the proposed work meets the Ambridge Historic District Design Guidelines, a Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued by the Ambridge Borough Office.

● Because the rebate grant is HUD funded, State Historic Review will be conducted if the building is over 50 years old. This process may take 2 months or more.

STEP 3: BIDS
● Pre-bid meeting. Ms. Suzanne Modrak, the Project Manager from the Community Development Program of Beaver County will review the program requirements with you. You must obtain at least two bids at prevailing wage rate for the project. Each bid must be accompanied by a signed, notarized non-collusion affidavit.  The agreement is signed by you and the County Commissioners and is passed by resolution at their regular meeting.

STEP 4: CONSTRUCTION AND DOCUMENTATION
● After the contract is signed, you will receive written notice to proceed. Work can be started at this time. Most projects must be completed within 90 days. If the work done does not comply with the scope of work in the agreement, the rebate will not be granted. The applicant must insure that all necessary documentation is submitted to the Community Development Program.
● Periodic and final inspection of the work is done.

STEP 5: REBATE AND JUDGMENT
● The rebate is processed. All necessary documentation must be submitted before the rebate is processed.
● A judgment/lien is filed against the property and under the building owner’s name. This lien is reduced 20% each year for five years until reduced to 0.
● After five years, the judgment may be satisfied. Call the Community Development Program for details.

To find out if your storefront is eligible for a facade renovation grant contact:

Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Board
Point of contact is Mrs. Cindy Ridge, owner of the Silk House Cafe at 317 14th Street

(724) 385-0172

silkhousecafe@gmail.com