Several murals brighten downtown, and City Commission has allocated $50,000 to add more murals across our community. Be watching for the grant application to open in early December. Property owners will apply, and Experience El Dorado will match you with an artist to bring your vision to life.

Purpose:
 The City of El Dorado is launching the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program to encourage property and business owners to enhance the appearance and integrity of their buildings. By offering matching funds, the City aims to increase property values, attract new investment, and improve the visual appeal of the downtown district.

Program Goals:

• Support reinvestment in downtown properties
• Improve the appearance and safety of commercial façades
• Strengthen the economic vitality of the downtown area

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants:

• Owners of commercial or mixed-use buildings within the designated downtown district
• Business tenants with property owner’s written consent
• Nonprofit organizations with commercial storefronts

Eligible Properties:

• Buildings located within the defined Downtown Façade Improvement District
• Buildings in active commercial use or planned for such use

Ineligible Applicants:

• Properties outside the designated downtown area
• Tax-delinquent properties or those with unresolved code violations 

Grant Match Details

Grant Amount:

• Maximum City contribution: $7,500 per property 
• Minimum project cost: $1,000
• Match ratio: 50/50 (City provides up to 50% of total project cost)

Example:
 If a business invests $8,000 in approved façade work, the city reimburses $4,000 after project completion.

Application & Review Process

Step 1 – Pre-Application Consultation: Applicants should contact Building and Zoning Department staff in the Engineering Department to review proposed improvements and ensure project eligibility.

Step 2 – Application Submission: Applications must include:

• Completed application form
• Photos of existing façade
• Project description and cost estimate
• Contractor quotes or bids
• Drawings or sketches of proposed work

Step 3 – Review & Approval: Applications will be reviewed by a Façade Grant Review Committee based on design quality, visual impact, and alignment with program goals.

Step 4 – Agreement: Approved applicants sign a reimbursement agreement with the city before starting work.

Step 5 – Project Completion & Reimbursement:

• Work must be completed within 6 months (extensions possible).
• City staff inspects completed project.
• Applicant submits proof of payment to receive reimbursement.

Funding Guidelines

Eligible Improvements:

• Restoration of historic architectural elements
• Exterior painting or cleaning
• Repair or replacement of windows, doors, cornices, awnings, and lighting
• Signage that complements building design
• Masonry repair or tuck-pointing
• Removal of non-historic materials or false façades
• Accessibility improvements visible from the street

Ineligible Improvements:

• Roof repairs not visible from the street
• Interior renovations
• Temporary or movable fixtures
• Maintenance (e.g., pressure washing without restoration)
• New construction or additions

Evaluation Criteria (Scoring Example)

Total Possible Points: 100

Program Timeline Example

Apply for the grant

The City of El Dorado is teaming up with Butler Community College to offer free workshops on branding, social media and customer engagement. The City is committing $5,000 to offer a variety of marketing courses to downtown businesses, ranging from business plans and marketing to business management and sales. Businesses in the downtown District are eligible to take two courses. The courses are offered online - taken at your own pace - through Butler's Career & Workforce Education Program. For more information on the program, email Julie Clements.