Façade Restoration
Grant Program
Historic buildings are crucial to Downtown’s character and represent tangible links to the past. Downtown’s sense of place relies, to a large extent, on its historic buildings and landscapes. These assets attract tourists, shoppers, businesses, and residents. Unfortunately, we have lost many grand landmark buildings, making those that remain even more important for Downtown Walla Walla’s past, present, and future.
PURPOSE
Downtown Walla Walla Foundation (DWWF) façade grant is designed to preserve our historic buildings and help improve the aesthetic and integrity of the historic buildings in our downtown core.
AMOUNT
Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 per project. The grant is a matching grant, covering up to 50% of total project costs.
REIMBURSEMENT
DWWF will reimburse 50% of the monies for an approved façade project. All invoices must be submitted to DWWF and approved before reimbursement. Applicants can request reimbursement up to three times throughout the project.
APPLICATION APPROVAL
The DWWF Design Committee will review and approve façade grant applications. Applicants must will with the DWWF Design Committee to discuss their application in person or virtually. Once approved and before commencing work, the applicant must receive all applicable city permits for the construction and, if their project requires, approval by the City of Walla Walla's Historic Preservation Commission.
DESIGN ASSISTANCE
The DWWF Design Committee is available to provide review and feedback on proposed projects.
TIMELINE
From the award date, the applicant has six months to complete the proposed façade work. If an applicant anticipates needing additional time, they must communicate with the Executive Director of the DWWF to develop a new timeline.
Program Guidelines
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The property must be located within the boundaries of Downtown Walla Walla.
The property must be listed on the Local Register of Historic Places.
The project must comply with all municipal and state codes/regulations.
The applicant must complete the application with all requested signatures and documents attached to be reviewed.
HOW CAN THE DWWF FAÇADE GRANT BE USED?
You can use this grant to cover the cost of exterior storefront projects related to exterior design, contracted labor, services, and material associated to:
Exterior building remodeling and improvements, such as masonry repair
Window and exterior door renovation
Awnings
Exterior paint and trim in the historical color pallet.
WHAT ISN'T ELIGIBLE FOR FAÇADE GRANT REIMBURSEMENT?
Working capital
Debt financing
Interior improvements
Equipment/inventory acquisition
Plumbing repair/improvements
HVAC repair/improvements
Parking lot resurfacing of any interior remodeling
Façade work that you initiated before the approved façade grant.
Rules & Regulations
The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation will not be financially responsible for any amount spent that exceeds the awarded grant amount.
All work must adhere to the City of Walla Walla Downtown Design Standards and be approved by the DWWF Design Committee.
Projects must improve the appearance of the downtown building façade and be compatible with the historic nature of the district.
The applicant is responsible for pulling any required city permits before performing work.
Changes to design plans, including materials and paint colors, must be submitted to the Executive Director of the DWWF and approved by the DWWF Design Committee before performing work to be eligible for reimbursement.
While not required, it is highly recommended that the applicant speaks with existing tenants in the building before applying for a grant and beginning work on a façade improvement project. If a business is applying rather than the building owner, it must get the owner's written permission.
Eligibility is based on property. A property owner with multiple properties may apply for funds to improve each property.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come / first-served basis.
Process
APPROVAL PROCESS
Submit your application to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation in person at 109 E Main Street, Suite 302, or use the form below. Applications are accepted beginning January first and will be reviewed and awarded throughout the year.
The application will be reviewed and approved or denied by the DWWF Design Committee within 30 days of application. Applicants must meet with the Design Committee in person or virtually to discuss their application. If denied, the applicant will be provided with an explanation and allowed to reapply with suggested modifications.
POST-APPROVAL PROCESS
The applicant will receive contractor bids, necessary permits, and approvals as soon as possible.
Applicants can submit invoices for reimbursement up to three times throughout the project. DTWW will reimburse the final 20% of the project only after work is complete.
Changes in approved applications must be submitted to the DWWF office and approved by the DWWF Design Committee to be eligible for reimbursement. Deviation from an approved plan may disqualify the applicant from grant reimbursement.
The applicant and a DWWF representative will inspect the façade before the final payment is made to the applicant.
Liberty Theater in 1964, photo by Bill Lilley
Bygone Walla Walla
Recommended Resources
The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation's Design Committee can consult, provide guidance, and help develop your downtown building. We can also help you navigate the City of Walla Walla's Design Standards for Downtown Walla Walla to ensure compliance.
The City of Walla Walla offers a pre-application meeting that allows applicants to discuss their projects. The objective is to get to know your goals and business needs to better assist you in preparing your project for permit application, identify potential problems, and help you understand the City's standards and requirements.
Please use local sources to understand the historic character of the building. Walla Walla 2020 often has historical information, including photographs, of downtown buildings. Bygone Walla Walla provides historical photos of many Walla Walla building. These are helpful to review before applying.
The Washington Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation has more information on historic facades that may be valuable to review.
Washington State Main Street Program's Main Street Guide for Property Development provides information on different funding sources for your downtown property development.
The U.S. Department of the Interior provides extensive technical assistance in historic preservation.
Grant Application
Thank you for being interested in the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation’s Façade Grant Program. Please submit a complete application packet with the following items: