What is the Allston Village Main Streets Facade Improvement Program?
Who can apply for funding?
What types of improvements are eligible for funding?
Are there any design guidelines?
How is the money awarded?
How does the application process work?
How are projects selected for funding?
What happens after a project is selected for funding?

What is the Allston Village Main Streets Facade Improvement Program?
The program offers up to $5,000 in matching funds and, in certain cases, design assistance to businesses in the Allston Village Main Streets' program area in order to improve the appearance of individual building facades, signs and awnings, as well as the overall look of the district. Improvements must be to areas visible from the public way. The goal of this program is to leverage private improvements while making revitalization efforts affordable, creative and community-based.

The Facade Improvement Program is administered by the Design Committee of Allston Village Main Streets (AVMS). The Committee is made up of Allston Village business and property owners and residents, some of whom have design expertise and others who just want to improve the physical appearance of the community.

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Who can apply for funding?
Any building owner or store proprietor/tenant with lease authority or authorization from the owner can apply for funding. The project site must be located in the Allston Village Main Streets district. (See map of Allston Village.) Tenants must have a minimum of two years remaining on their lease or an option to renew.

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What types of improvements are eligible for funding?

• Signs (new, repairs, replacements, removal)
  
• Grate and grate box removal or conversion of solid grates to an open mesh style; installation of electronic security systems to replace grates is also an allowable expense
  
• Awnings
  
• Lighting
  
• Paint
  
• Removal/replacement of inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes or materials
  
• Recessing/reconfiguring entrances
  
• Removal of extraneous elements
  
• Door/window replacement or repair

Priority for funds will be given to installation of new signage and to removal or conversion of solid grates. Removal of rolldown solid grates includes removal of the grate boxes. If you have solid grates and are applying for funds for other improvements, it will be required that you also remove the grates. Smaller projects with only signs and/or awnings may be referred to the Sign, Lighting and Awning Program, which offers matching grants up to $2,500.

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Are there any design guidelines?
Projects must conform to the Boston Zoning Code (as may be amended) and the Allston Brighton Neighborhood District section of the zoning code or obtain zoning relief. Projects must also meet the approval of the Allston Village Main Streets' Design Committee according to its guidelines. Allston Village Main Streets has slideshows and other educational materials on signage, awnings, facade improvements and other aspects of commercial district design. The AVMS staff can share these with you at your convenience.

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How is the money awarded?
This is a matching grant program, which means that the applicant pays a portion of the improvement and Main Streets pays a portion. The amount of the match must be at least 1:1 -- the applicant pays $1 and Main Streets pays $1. However, there is a maximum grant contribution by Main Streets of $5,000 per project. In multi-storefront buildings, a maximum of $12,500 may be allocated for projects involving multiple businesses. Work completed prior to letter of commitment is not eligible for funding. Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis and cannot be issued until the proposed project has been completed. Before a check is cut, applicants will need to submit proof of payment for completed work and Allston Village Main Streets staff must review the completed project to determine that the actual work performed was the work approved.

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How does the application process work?
First, applicants should meet with AVMS staff and then complete a preliminary application. Depending on the extent, priority and visibility of the work involved, the Main Streets Design Committee may allocate design assistance to applicants to help develop a proposal. This assistance is offered without charge to the applicant.

When the preliminary application has been reviewed, qualified applicants will be asked to complete a full application, which includes architectural drawings, color samples and cost estimates. (Two bids are required; on larger projects and at the discretion of the committee, a third bid may be requested.) The Design Committee will review the application and will vote its recommendation to the AVMS Board of Directors within 30 days of receiving a complete application. The Board of Directors will then vote on the application within 30 days of receiving the Design Committee's recommendation. Every effort will be made to speed the process. Following review and approval of the application by the Boston Main Streets office for compliance with all necessary city and federal funding regulations (a 2- to 10-day process), the applicant will receive a letter of commitment from the Allston Village Main Streets office for the specified amount with information on any other requirements. The applicant can then proceed with necessary permitting and city review processes. If the total project cost is over $2,000, the project may be subject to the requirements of the federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage law for contractors and sub-contractors.

Funds will be released to the applicant upon completion, inspection and documentation of matching funds.

If an application is denied, a new application can be submitted during the next funding round.

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How are projects selected for funding?
Applications will be reviewed and selected based on their compatibility with the vision and goals of the Main Streets' Program and their impact on the district.

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What happens after a project is selected for funding?
Work selected for a matching grant must be completed within 6 months of approval of the application, unless extended by Allston Village Main Streets. (Time-extension forms are available from the office.) The applicant is responsible for obtaining all building permits and any other required permits for the work to be done. The applicant is responsible for conformance with all applicable safety standards and conditions. The applicant also agrees to maintain the property and improvement.

The Allston Village Main Streets Program may promote an approved project including, but not limited to, displaying a Main Streets' sign at the site, during and after construction, and using photographs and descriptions of the project in Main Streets' materials.

Note: Allston Village Main Streets and Boston Main Streets reserve the right to make changes in the conditions of the Facade Improvement Program as warranted.

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About AVMS | Membership | Design Guidelines
Facade Improvement Program | Sign, Lighting & Awning Program
Window Display Program | Allston Village Online