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Facade Improvement Program – Restarting the Heart

"In Springfield, the role of infill development to re-stitch fabric the of buildings along streets is critical." - R/UDAT

The Center City Association is developing a Facade Improvement Program to restore and beautify buildings in the core of Springfield. This effort serves as a follow-up to Regional Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) recommendations and is designed to provide technical and financial assistance to property-owners. This program will help to initiate important physical improvements to structures in targeted areas with particular interest in historic and architecturally significant buildings.

The program seeks to improve properties owned by Center City Association members in good standing by providing:

• low-interest loans
• matching grants
• sign, lighting and awning rebates
• design assistance
• review board
• design guidelines/criteria

In addition to its attempts to restore building facades, the Center City Association is eager to see buildings renovated. The organization is coordinating educational seminars to increase understanding among local property-owners and government officials about economic tools such as historic tax credits, historic easements and the State's Alternative Building Code.

For more information on how to be involved in downtown renewal, contact The Center City Association. Tel: 937-325-0047 or visit their website at www.center-city.org.