Main Corridors Renewal Grant/Loan Policy
Grant program aims to improve main commercial corridors
The City of Albert Lea established the Main Corridors Urban Renewal Grant to extend and complement the Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant for Albert Lea’s National Commercial Historic District. The grant is intended to:
- Assist property and building owners interested in façade or site improvements that preserve the architectural character of the property.
- Improve curb-side appeal.
- Spur economic development along the city’s main commercial corridors.
- Increase energy efficiency and compliance with any applicable building and zoning standards, as outlined in Albert Lea City Code Chapter 50.
In addition to the purposes outlined above, the city aims to:
- Leverage private investment and provide public grant assistance to projects for façade renovation, site improvement, and preservation of commercial historic buildings and B-2 zoned properties that otherwise may not occur.
- Stimulate renovation, preserve historic facades and improve the community’s building stock.
Eligible projects may receive grants up to $25,000 to owners whose buildings or sites needing repair or improvement. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be available starting Jan. 1 and ending on Dec. 31 annually
The city decides on grants based on the following:
- Top preference goes to Improvements that maximize private investment to remediate blight and hazardous materials or structures.
- Façade improvements that preserve the historical character of the building or enhance the visual appeal of the property on identified corridors receive additional preference.
- Guidelines for building restoration and modification can be found in Albert Lea City Code Chapter 50 and other applicable codes depending on the property and project.
- Landscaping improvements that enhance the visual appeal of the property from the identified corridor may be required as part of the grant approval.
- Improvements that promote conservation, pollution abatement (including light pollution), and improve tree canopy may receive preference over those that do not.
- All projects must meet the city’s adopted Comprehensive Plan.
Projects must meet the following requirements:
- Projects must consist of façade or site improvements as more specifically detailed in the section below that preserve the historical character of the building or enhance the visual appeal of the property in the designated locations listed below.
- Designated locations include all commercially zoned and operated property visible from South Broadway, East Main Street, West Main Street, Bridge Avenue, Clark Street, Front Street and Fountain Street.
- The property has not received City of Albert Lea or Freeborn County grants for façade repairs within the last 5 years.
- The property and property owner are in good standing with the city, county and State of Minnesota for all previous grant awards. They must also be current on taxes.
The grants may only be used to pay for façade or site improvements. The façade includes those portions of the building visible from South Broadway.
Projects may include:
- Repair or replacement of windows and doors
- Masonry repair or replacement
- Awnings
- Exterior lighting that meets “dark sky” standards
- Signage
- Painting, siding and other exterior wall improvements
- Architectural plans and estimates
- Other approved exterior improvements
- Roofs that no longer meet code, are incorporated in the façade improvements, or are a potential hazard to preserving the structure
- Parking areas that incorporate landscaping, improved ADA-compliant design and/or improve stormwater diversion/retention
- Interior modifications required to complete façade improvements
- Landscaping improvements as visible from South Broadway or improve stormwater diversion/retention
The following expenses are eligible for grant funding:
Expenses for all permanent interior renovation and improvements including but not limited to:
- Creation of new apartment or office rental space
- Drywall repair
- Electrical repairs
- Energy efficient HVAC
- Fire suppression/warning systems
- Flooring
- Foundation repair
- Interior lighting
- Interior painting
- Lead, mold or other interior hazardous material removal
- Plumbing
- Restroom/bathroom renovation/installation
- Stairway repairs/improvements
- Suspended ceilings
- Water heaters
The following improvements are not eligible, and cannot be used to satisfy grant-match requirements.
Expenditures that do not add to the historic character or visual appeal of the property, including:
- Tinted windows
- Inventory and equipment
- Operating expenses
- Non-fixed improvements
- General maintenance
Contributions from the City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County established this grant program. The Albert Lea city manager may choose to use other sources to fund projects under this program subject to City Council approval. The city may also offer loans depending on the owner’s long-term objectives and ownership plan.
The maximum grant in support of a qualifying project for any one building shall not exceed $25,000, and matching funds in amount in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the grant must be committed to the project. It must be determined by an architect, structural engineer, or the city building official that the building has no structural issues and that the proposed rehabilitation is valid for the building.
A property owner who uses the matching grant may apply for additional grant or loan funds as long as not exceeding the maximum of $25,000 in matching funds during the life of the structure.
The final amount of the grant award will be determined based on the actual dollar amount of the matching funds committed to the project, the final design of the project as built, and the extent to which the improvements provide a public benefit. The city planner or appointed staff may require changes to the grant applicant’s proposal to be eligible based on historic preservation, code compliance and public benefit.
Grant recipients are responsible for their own legal and other professional consultant fees associated with applying for the Main Corridors Urban Renewal Grant, as well as for legal and professional consultant fees incurred by the city in making the grant. All property taxes and applicable special assessments installments on real property owned by the applicant in the City of Albert Lea must be current on the property and are not eligible for payment from grant funds.
Interested owners and businesses should meet with the city planner to review the potential project, discuss eligibility, and review the application process and grant policies.
The property owner, or a business owner with the property owner’s approval, may obtain the grant application from the City Planner’s Office or by downloading the PDF below.
In order for a grant application to be considered complete, the applicant shall provide the following documentation and take the following action:
- Submit a completed application form, signed by the property owner of record, together with design plans illustrating the proposed work.
- Provide a registered set of improvement plans and an itemized estimate of listed improvement components.
- Explain or illustrate how all exterior code violations will be remedied as part of the project.
- Provided a legal description of the property to be improved.
- Complete financial information documenting the source(s) of private funds needed to satisfy matching funds requirement herein and successfully complete the project. The owner is required to pay contractors in full and grant funds will reimburse paid contractor invoices up to 50% of the invoice. However, the total payments shall not exceed the grant amount established in the Construction Award/Grant Agreement. The owner shall show the source of funds for full payment of the contractor.
- Schedule a project review meeting with the City Planner’s Office and submit the application. A review will be scheduled with City of Albert Lea Inspection staff, during which the applicant will have an opportunity to discuss the project. An on-site visit may be requested.
- Provided any additional information determined necessary and requested of the applicant by city staff.
- Receive a favorable project recommendation from city staff.
- Execute the Construction Award/Grant Agreement prior to the start of any improvements funded by the grant.
- Submit grant payment requisitions or paid contractor invoices, as required in the Construction Award/Grant Agreement, to the City Planner’s Office.
- The improvements will be inspected by the City Building Official for approval of the completed work. Partial requisitions and payments will be permitted.
- Applicant may have to show financial means to complete the project, provide lien waivers from contractors, and/or provide receipt of sale (not bills) showing the completion of the purchase or work eligible for reimbursement.
- Applicant must provide proof of liability and property insurance sufficient to cover value of the property and improvements if approved.
- Applicant must complete a W-9 before receiving the first grant payment.
For more information
221 East Clark Street
507-377-4349
mboeck@ci.albertlea.mn.us