The Cudahy Department of Economic Development launched the Façade Improvement Program in the summer of 2009, providing design and construction grants to property owners wanting to improve the curb appeal of their downtown businesses.

Nearly two dozen buildings are participating in the program.

October 2010 grand reopening of Layton Hearing Professionals/Dr. E.J. Tomasik and Associates Optometrists (3552 E. Layton Ave.)

The purpose of the Facade Improvement Program is to assist commercial business and property owners to reinvest in existing downtown properties. The Community Development Authority (CDA) will incentivize property owners to stimulate exterior building improvements in the area designated by map on this page.

Resources available through the program include grant and loan funds and technical design assistance as provided by the CDA via City and consulting staff. The program is administered and funded by the Cudahy CDA.   

The basis for the award and approval of facade improvement financial assistance under the program is the City of Cudahy Downtown Design Guidelines Manual.  These guidelines will help you make design decisions for facade restoration or rehabilitation, new structures, or new building additions. They are intended to help facilitate a viable, functional, coordinated, active, and attractive downtown district, and to maintain the traditional character of Downtown Cudahy.

Grant and Loan Program Eligibility

To be eligible for funding through the Façade Improvement Program:
1. The applicant must be the property owner or a tenant with written permission from the owner.
2. There must be no delinquent bills, charges, or taxes due to the City.
3. The project must meet all state and local building codes and zoning requirements.
4. The project must be located within the designated eligible project area.
5. All façade improvements must follow the Cudahy Downtown Design Guidelines Manual, and receive approval from the City's Design Review Board to help to create a coordinated streetscape that is attractive and functional.
6. Priority will be given to façade restorations that are sensitive to and restore the original architecture of the building in a historically appropriate manner.

Eligible Improvements

1. Restoration and rehabilitation of facades (front, rear or side) of your building facing a public right-of-way. Examples include:

o Storefronts
o Commercial Signage
o Doors and windows
o Wall treatments
o Details
o Site features
o Painting
o Repair, replacement of exterior awnings
o Landscaping
o Pedestrian enhancements
o ADA compliance

2. New construction does not qualify, however, building additions that meet local building codes and zoning requirements and the principles and guidelines of the Downtown Design Guidelines Manual may qualify.

Ineligible Improvements

Specific ineligible improvements are listed in detail below. Commercial business and property owners may contact the City of Cudahy regarding other resources that may be available for improvements that are ineligible for the Façade Improvement Program.

1. Interior improvements, fixtures and furnishings, or roof repair, not visible from the street;
2. Removal of architecturally significant features;
3. Purchase of property;
4. Inventory or operating capital;
5. Any activity completed prior to receiving final approval of loan funds;
6. Improvements not specified in the Downtown Design Guidelines Manual and approved by the CDA; the CDA reserves the right to determine eligible and ineligible improvements on a case-by-case basis;
7. Sweat equity;
8. Equipment;
9. Debt refinancing;
10. Routine repair or maintenance.

Program Priorities for Ranking of Applicants

Grants will be provided on a first come first served basis.  Priority will also be given to the following:

1. Buildings where an immediate renovation will stop serious deterioration of the building's façade.
2. Projects that improve the architectural integrity of the building and restore historic architecture Downtown.
3. Buildings where historic or architecturally significant features contributing to the building's character are in danger of being lost in part, or in total, due to disrepair. This may include properties listed on the Wisconsin Historical Society's Architecture and History Inventory, or other properties with historical, architectural, or cultural significance.
4. Vacant properties where façade improvements would improve the overall appearance of Downtown.
5. Projects that demonstrate collaboration and will help to attract people Downtown.
6. Projects that will result in significant new investment and creation of jobs Downtown.

Please note: property owners MUST provide renderings within 90 days of being awarded design grant funds.

List of Architects

The Albion Group 1243 N. 10th St. Suite 100 Milwaukee, WI 53205 414-223-3330 www.albionarch.com	Zimmerman Architectural Studios 5106 North Port Washington Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 414-476-9500 www.zastudios.com
Tailored Places, Ltd. 980 East Drexel Avenue Oak Creek, WI 53154 (414) 764-2269 sbrothen@sbcglobal.net www.tailoredplaces.com	The Shepherd Partnership 600 N. 108th Pl. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 414-774-2277 John Barron Shepherd k3shepherd@aol.com
Kahler Slater 111 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-272-2000 www.kahlerslater.com	Wiberg Architecture 12317 W. Ripley Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-774-0895 www.wibergarchitecture.com
Eppstein Uhen Architects 333 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-271-5350 www.eua.com	Uihlein Wilson Architects 322 E. Michigan St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-271-8899 www.uihlein-wilson.com
Quorum Architects 3112 W. Highland Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53208 414-265-9265 www.quorumarchitects.com Joe Klein 414-406-7328	Milwaukee Architects & Planners, Inc. 10859 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI  53226 414-476-1212 Vincent D. Milewski www.mke-ap.com Continuum Architects + Planners 228 S. First Street Milwaukee, WI 53204 414-220-9640 www.continuumarchitects.com