Facade Improvement Loan Program

PURPOSE
The City of Anoka Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is looking to provide incentives to improve and enhance the facades of commercial buildings, which will have a lasting impact and strengthen the vitality of Downtown Anoka.

ELIGIBILITY
Commercial properties located in parts of downtown Anoka, which is defined as buildings located on Main Street, Jackson Street and/or located between First Avenue and Seventh Avenue north of Monroe Street and south of Golf and Jackson Street.

Loan recipients must be current on all taxes and utilities and must demonstrate that the property is insured for its full insurable value.
All work must comply with City, State and Federal regulations.

LOAN DETAILS
     o 0% Interest
     o 5-year Term. There is no penalty for pre-payment
     o Minimum Loan Amount: $1000 per project
     o Maximum Loan Amount: $10,000 per project
     o Dollar-for-Dollar Match is required

ELIGIBILE IMPROVEMENTS
The work must be visible from a public street. A façade is defined as an individual storefront or commercial building side which faces a public right-of-way or is otherwise visible to the general public from the street.
     o Awning Replacement or Installation
     o Sign Replacement or Installation
     o Exterior Painting
     o Tuck Pointing/Brick Work/Masonry Work
     o Parapets and Cornice Work
     o Repair, replacement or installation of windows or doors. All replacements must be architecturally appropriate.
     o Exterior Lighting
     o Removal of barriers or new improvements for ADA accessibility to the building from the exterior
     o Removal of architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior materials or finishes
     o Additional improvements may be approved on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the HRA Board

INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
     o Mechanical Improvements
     o Interior Improvements
     o Exterior Improvements not visible from a public street
     o Roofing
     o Improvements that have already been completed or are already in process
     o Renovation of residential units
     o Seasonal or Temporary Improvements

ADDITIONAL MAINTAINENCE REQUIREMENTS
Approved projects may be subject to additional general maintenance requirements as needed, including:
     o Brick/Stucco repair may be required if failing, cracked or discoloration exists
     o Painting of trim may be required if peeling, fading and/or flaking conditions exist
     o Windows should be in good condition, caulked, and sealed as necessary
     o Awning replacement or removal may be required if faded, torn, or otherwise in disrepair
     o Staining/Painting of wood surfaces may be required if fading

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION AND APPROVAL
     o Interested applicants should contact the Executive Director of the City of Anoka HRA to obtain the application and discuss the proposed project.
     o A completed application, along with a $100 processing fee must be submitted to the City of Anoka HRA two weeks prior to the next HRA Board meeting. Those are held the 2nd Monday of each month. Processing fees will be used to cover City expenses for processing the application and is non-refundable.
     o Each application and all bids will also be reviewed by City Staff to determine if the project conforms to program requirements and all other City Code, policies, ordinances and regulations.
     o Availability of funds, private involvement, financial packaging and cost effectiveness for financial feasibility will be reviewed by HRA Staff on a case-by-case basis.
     o The HRA will require a notarized letter of approval and willingness to accept a mortgage as loan security from the building owner if property to be improved is leased by the applicant.
     o The City of Anoka HRA reserves the right to waive certain requirements of this program and may request additional information and documentation as deemed necessary.
     o If the application is approved, funds will be disbursed upon completion of the approved project and receipt of the following:
          1. Invoices from vendors/contractors and verification work was completed satisfactorily and per City Code
          2. A fully executed and recordable Repayment Agreement from the property owner, which the HRA will record as a lien on the property
          3. Any other documentation necessary for HRA staff to verify that the project has been completed in accordance with the application as approved