Downtown Dade City Main Street, Inc.

Grant Information

What is the Building Exteriors Grant?

The Building Exteriors Grant is a program created by the City of Dade City and funded through the Community Redevelopment Agency using money generated through a special taxing district. Property owners and merchants (with property owner approval) can qualify for up to $7,500 in reimbursement for renovations and improvements to the exteriors of buildings within the CRA district.

Who Can Apply?

Any property owner within the CRA district can apply for a building exteriors grant. Tenants can also apply, provided they have written approval from the property owner. Government-owned properties are not eligible.

Where is the CRA District?

Generally, the CRA district is bounded by the apex of US 98 and Highway 301 to the north, the US 98 Bypass to the east, 10th Street to the west and Howard Avenue to the south. An exact map can be obtained at City Hall or Main Street.

What kind of Projects are eligible for funding?

Improvements such as awnings, signage, trim work, molding and painting will be considered for grant funding. Work must be for the building exterior, which includes front, side and rear exteriors, No grant money may be used for general repair or structural work to meet codes to occupy the building.

How Much Can I Receive?

Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 for any building exterior project and an additional $2,500 for side and rear improvements only. The maximum award is $7,500.

Is there a Match Requirement?

The applicant must pay at least 25% of the project cost. The grant award can be no more than 75% of the total cost.

How Often Can I Apply?

You can apply for no more than one primary grant of $5,000 and one supplemental grant of $2,500 in a three-year period. The CRA will make exceptions on a case by case basis.

Who Reviews the Applications?

Main Street oversees the application process and the Design Review Committee, made up of merchants, property owners and other citizens, reviews the applications and makes a recommendation to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which makes the final decision.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

All grant-funded improvements must be completed within three months of the project approval. Limited time extensions may be granted by the CRA. All improvements must remain intact for three years from the date of completion before a new application may be submitted for the property. All grant-funded projects must be approved by the CRA before work begins. Already completed projects are not eligible for grant funds.

What Downtown Projects Have Been Funded Recently?

Many properties have been renovated using Building Exteriors Grant funds recently. Some examples are The Coffee Mug Caf, Premier Community Healthcare, Baldy Boyd State Farm Insurance, Boyett Insurance, Sisters & Company, Dade City Main Street, Lynch, Gregg and Lynch P.A., Green Apple Caf, Garden Delights and Haydens Boutique.

Sounds Great! How Do I Get Started?

Contact Downtown Dade City Main Street for an application and schedule a meeting with the Grant Program Administrator, Crystal Davenport. Grant Applications are due on the 3rd Friday of every month. You may contact Crystal by calling 352-567-0284.