Miami Renaissance Grant Program

What is the Miami Renaissance Grant Program?

The Miami Renaissance Grant Program is designed to improve the appearance of commercial buildings in Miami. The goal is to proactively address commercial blight, and beautify high traffic areas in the community. The program is intended to accomplish the following:

Measurable Improvements

• Access to capital for street-facing improvements, such as an awning replacement, repair of dilapidated façades, or signage.
• Attract more visitors to the area and customers to the business.
• Eliminate commercial blight.
• Beautify high traffic areas in the community.

90/10 Match

• The Town values the participation of local commercial property owners and business owners, so the program requires that the applicant contribute a minimum of 10 percent of the total cost of the project.
• By requiring a 10 percent commitment, we strengthen investment and participation in the program, while removing financial or economic barriers to entry.
  • 10 percent match may not be in-kind contribution but a cash requirement
    • The 10 percent match shall be divided into the following:
      • Minimum of 10% cash match for approved material cost
      • Minimum of 10% cash match for approved labor cost

Labor and Materials

• Grant requests shall be divided into labor and material costs.
• Upon request by an approved applicant the Town shall provide payment to the vendor for 90% of the approved cost of materials.  This payment shall be applied after the applicant has paid at least 10% towards the approved materials cost.
  • Approved applicants shall request the vendor(s) to submit a materials request for payment to the Town.
  • The Request(s) for Payment must show that at least 10% of the materials cost has been paid by the applicant.
• The Town will provide a reimbursement payment to the applicant for 90% of the approved labor cost after the project is completed.
• Change orders may be completed at the cost of the APPLICANT, after completion of the APPROVEDproject.

Eligibility Criteria

Property owners and tenants of commercial buildings within the Town of Miami are eligible for the program. Eligible participants must propose a façade improvement that will contribute to the visual enhancement of the property as viewed from the public right of way. Improvements should incorporate elements that are harmonious with the other existing commercial buildings in the area. The following lists details the eligible and ineligible improvements. Items not listed below will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. However, priority will be given to applications which meet the listed eligible improvements.

Eligible Improvements	Ineligible Improvements
Exterior painting	New building construction
Exterior cleaning	Equipment
Façade repair	Roof repairs
Awnings, canopies, doors, and windows	Security systems
Façade and display window lighting	Non-permanent fixtures
Fascia, trim, tile metal work, and other decorative elements	Installation of razor wire or metal bars
Fabricated signs	Personal property
Removal of metal bars	Interior work
Parking lot paving and striping	Improvements not visible from the public right-of-way
Landscaping	Items not permitted by the Miami Town Code

List of eligible and ineligible improvements.

Eligible Improvements	Ineligible Improvements
Exterior painting	New building construction
Exterior cleaning	Equipment
Façade repair	Roof repairs
Awnings, canopies, doors, and windows	Security systems
Façade and display window lighting	Non-permanent fixtures
Fascia, trim, tile metal work, and other decorative elements	Installation of razor wire or metal bars
Fabricated signs	Personal property
Removal of metal bars	Interior work
Parking lot paving and striping	Improvements not visible from the public right-of-way
Landscaping	Items not permitted by the Miami Town Code

List of eligible and ineligible improvements.

 

Project reimbursement limits and applicant match requirements

 

	Applicant CASHMatch Requirement	TOWN COVERAGE	Maximum Reimbursement	Minimum Total Project Cost
LABOR	10%	90%	$9,500	$1,000
MATERIALS	10%	90%

Program eligibility and requirements checklist

• Any commercial property owner or tenant (with written authorization from the property owner) may apply.
• Eligible applicants may apply for the program for multiple commercial properties.
• A commercial property cannot be awarded funding more than once per fiscal cycle.
• Improvements that will encroach into the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit from the Town of Miami.
• Improvements that require a building permit must be completed by a licensed contractor.
• Property owners of registered historic commercial buildings should consult with the State Historic Preservation Office on proposed façade improvements.
• Façade improvements must remain as part of the property if the building is sold or the applicant moves to a different location.
• Improvements must be completed within 6 months of program grant approval.
• Improvements should incorporate elements that are harmonious with the other existing buildings in the area.
• The Town will recoup the full grant amount from any building owner or tenant who sells the building within 60 months after it received Renaissance Grant funding.  In the event you fail to comply with this requirement, the Town of Miami will pursue this action on the legal forum.

Application Process

1. Please contact Alexis Rivera, Town Manager, at 928-473-4403 or townmanager@miamiaz.gov to discuss the project proposal.
2. A pre-application meeting may be required depending on the complexity of the project.
3. A complete application packet may be accepted at any time. However, applications submitted before the end of the month will be reviewed during the first week of the following month. Formal notices to proceed will be issued during the second week of the review month.
4. A complete application packet can be submitted online, mailed or dropped off to Town Hall 500 W. Sullivan St, Miami, AZ 85539 or emailed to townmanager@miamiaz.gov.   
5. The application packet must include the following:
   • A complete application (available online).
   • Site plan with proposed façade renovations.
   • Photographs of the existing condition.
   • Supporting documentation of proposed façade renovation such as paint colors, awning materials, etc.
   • Project specifications.
   • If a tenant is the applicant, a permission letter from the property owner.
   • Detailed project specifications, including measurements, designs, and drawings.
6. The application packet will be reviewed for completeness. The Town will review the application packet and make the final determination if the proposal meets guidelines and award funding as applicable.
7. Formal Notice to Proceed: Following approval, the Town will issue a formal “Notice to Proceed.” Any work initiated before the Town’s issuance of the “Notice to Proceed” will not be eligible for funds reimbursement.
8. Start of Façade Improvement: After “Notice to Proceed,” but prior to work starting, the applicant must secure any required Town of Miami building, encroachment, or any other related development permits.
9. Payment for Materials: Upon request by an applicant the Town will provide a payment to the vendor(s) for up to 90% of the materials cost.  Requests for payment must be submitted to the Town and must show that at least 10% of the approved materials costs has been paid by the applicant.
10. Committee Inspection: The Town will inspect the completed project to ensure that work was performed as outlined in the application. This inspection does not replace or supersede any additional inspections that may be required by regulating authorities.
11. Submission of Project Expenses: The applicant must submit copies of paid bills, cancelled checks, contractor lien waivers and receipts. Each submission must include photographs and description of the work completed. No reimbursement will be made until all improvements have been completed to the specifications approved.
12. Applicant Reimbursement: The applicant will be reimbursed up to the amount of the approved grant, less the amount of approved materials previously paid by the Town and applicant. 

Link to Grant Application

www.miamiaz.gov/renaissance/application