The Custom Concepts Body Works building at 525 Cumberland St. is one example of the program's success. Funds can be used for painting, window work, new storefront signage and other exterior improvements. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Economic & Community Development.
The City of Fayetteville’s Economic and Community Development department is making a financial effort to improve the look and feel of the city.
The Commercial Corridor Exterior Grant Program, offered by the City of Fayetteville, is a matching grant program that provides small businesses, or commercial property owners who rent to small businesses, with funds to improve the exterior of their business properties.
The program provides one-time rebates of up to $25,000 per property for eligible exterior renovations to buildings in the city.
“This is a program designed to help revitalize current low- and moderate-income block groups within the city. We do this by stimulating private investment and making high-quality improvements that enhance neighborhoods,” said Economic Development Manager Derrick McArthur. “The program can be used to reduce slum and blight, improve the appearance of properties and update non-conforming design codes.”
Mr McArthur said over the past two years, more than 27 applicants have taken advantage of the program to fund cosmetic improvements to their small business premises, and while one of the program's main goals is to target the city's commercial districts, such as Murchison Road, the program covers properties across the city.
“You can use this funding for anything from fixing parking to putting up new signage. What I think is underutilized is the new design standards that businesses have to follow. We have funding to help you. There are some places in the Commercial Corridor program where we've been able to do some transformational work,” McArthur said.
Current success stories include the All American Drivers Education Inc. building at 312 N. Racepath Ave., the Custom Concepts Body Works building at 525 Cumberland St. and the RDL Therapeutic building at 3591 Murchison Rd.
Darnisha James, a Fayetteville resident and owner of RDL Therapeutic, is a grant recipient who heard about the resource from a friend and decided to apply. After completing the application process and receiving the maximum grant of $25,000, she was able to transform the exterior of the former Advance Auto Parts building into a facade that matches the medical offices where patients receive occupational and physical therapy.
The funds were used for new signage on the front and side of the building, exterior painting and window tinting.
“When I first moved into this building I was renting, then the owner asked me if I wanted to buy. At that point I wanted to invest more, but we had already spent so much money on things, so when the city gave me this opportunity it was perfect,” James says. “I think what's different about this program is the city wants to put a spotlight on businesses. They want businesses to grow and have opportunities. The look has really brought more attention to my business.”
Applications for the program are accepted year-round and are available on the City of Fayetteville website. Select the Economic and Community Development section and all programs will appear under the Business Resources tab.
Projects over $25,000 may be eligible for a reimbursement of the same amount at the discretion of the ECD Director and Grants Committee. Approval factors include, but are not limited to, impact to the redevelopment area, ensuring job growth, and ensuring an increase in taxable value. Applicants are eligible for a reimbursement of 50 percent of costs under $25,000. Eligibility requirements include having a signed contract before work begins.
“The hard part is getting the quotes. You need a minimum of two quotes for the work you're doing. We take that lowest bid to a licensed general contractor and we guide you through every step of the process,” McArthur said.
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The City of Fayetteville’s Economic & Community Development Department is available to serve Fayetteville residents. For more information about their programs, please visit www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/economic-community-development-4035.