Downtown Improvement Grant Application

Projects must meet all eligibility requirements to be scored.

Work that does not comply with the eligibility requirements are subject to reduction or retraction of award. All work must be done within these areas:
Masonry repairs/repointing brick
Repair/replace/preserve historically significant architectural details
Storefront reconstruction
Removal of false facade
Cornice repair
Exterior painting and stucco
Awnings and canopies
Window and door repair or replacement
Permanent exterior signage integrated into the storefront design
Permanent exterior lighting
Repair/replacement of gutters and downspouts
Deckings and stairs
Visible electrical/mechanical equipment enclosures

All work must be on the exterior of the building and result in a publicly visible improvement. Work on the roof is not eligible. Only work begun after approval by the HDC Committee will be eligible for reimbursement. Work should begin within 90 days of the grant award. Work must be completed in a timely manner. HDC funds cannot be used to correct outstanding code violations, for property damaged by collision, acts of nature or occurrences covered by insurance.

The following types of property are not eligible for consideration:
Tax delinquent property
Property who owner has any other tax delinquent property
Property in litigation
Property in condemnation or receivership
Property owned by religious groups
Property owned by 501(c)3 non-profit organizations on which taxes area not being paid
Properties on which taxes are being paid, but have non-profit use, such as schools, charities, clubs or organizations, etc.
Properties exclusively used as residential. Daycare centers
National Franchises or Retail Chain Stores Funeral Homes

Applications will be reviewed for completeness and recommended for consideration by the HDC Committee. These factors may give priority that meet the following criteria:
Is the project in a historic district or is it in an individually eligible historic building?
Will the project positively contribute to downtown Clinton’s redevelopment efforts?
Will the project substantially leverage more investments than the required matching amount of the grant?
Will the grant result in an improvement that would not be made otherwise?
Does the property comply with the outlined HDC Design Guidelines?
Are the property owners/tenants active in the HDC programs?

Reimbursement shall be limited to no more than 75% of the total cost of eligible improvements. The maximum amount of the grant is $40,000 per grantee. Grant awards will be made on a case by case basis by the HOC Committee necessary government approvals. Building permits and taxes are not eligible items for reimbursement.

The HOC Committee reserves the right to refuse reimbursements in whole or in part for work that:

Does not conform to the program design guidelines

Does not conform to the proposals submitted with the application and authorized by the HOC Committee. Are not commensurate with the workmanship and cost customary to the industry.

Are not completed by June 30, 2023. Since the HOC cannot reserve funds indefinitely, your grant may be subject to cancellation if not completed by the June 30, 2023 date.

Request for extension must be made early in the project phase to be considered. Please contact Katherine Birkbeck for further information.

All work will be inspected to ensure compliance with approved plans. Any changes to the approved plan will approval by the HOC Committee.

Reimbursement can be expected in approximately 1-2 months after all of the following documentation has been submitted. Once items are submitted to Historic Downtown Clinton, all items will be submitted to the State of Tennessee for reimbursement subject to their standards.

1. Copies of all paid invoices and corresponding canceled checks (proof of payment) for all work covered by the HOC. All project expenditures must be paid by check, money order, or credit card. The invoices must be marked paid, signed, and dated by the contractor/vendor. Cash payments are not accepted.

2. Color photographs of completed work.

It is not the intent of the program to allow the selling of property and profiting from HOC funded improvements. The owner(s) must repay the program if the property is sold within five (5) years of the project’s completion. A deed restriction document to this effect will be recorded at the county register of deeds. Part of the owner’s obligation is forgiven each year as follows:

0-12 Months – 100% Repayment
After 1 Year – 80% Repayment
After 2 Years – 60% Repayment
After 3 Years – 40% Repayment
After 4 Years – 20% Repayment
After 5 Years – 0% Repayment