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NBCRA - Commercial Facade Improvement Program Application NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION I. COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW & PURPOSE The North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (“North Beach CRA”) Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“Program”) is a matching grant incentive program available for business owners and commercial property owners to help pay the costs of physical improvements to the building façade of their place of business. The Program is available to commercial buildings in North Beach’s Normandy Isles/Vendome Plaza neighborhood, located within the Normandy Isles National Register Historic District, please reference the Program Boundary Map and/or contact the North Beach CRA to determine eligibility. The neighborhood’s architecture contributes to the area’s historic character and reflects the Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style, with notable influences by French-born urban planner Henri Levy. The Program focuses on cultivating an improved visual experience and sense of place through external enhancements to existing buildings. Program funding awards consist of matching grants of up to 70% the cost of eligible projects, up to an amount not to exceed $20,000 per application provided on a reimbursement basis for expenses paid on completed work. The program aims to (i) assist business and property owners to improve, repair, and preserve older buildings; (ii) stimulate investment in and revitalization of private property; and (iii) highlight historic architecture to foster a sense of place that is attractive and welcoming to the entire community, whether visitor, resident, shopper, or merchant. II. INSTRUCTIONS a. Carefully review program guidelines, application, and related materials. b. Prior to submitting an application, applicants must submit an “Intent to Apply” via mbbiz.gosmart.org. You may also contact the North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency at northbeachcra@miamibeachfl.gov or by telephone at 305-673-7572. Applicants can also schedule in person appointments at the North Beach CRA District Office located at 962 Normandy Drive (Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) to discuss their application, business needs, and how the program can be tailored to maximize business growth in Miami Beach. c. Application must be submitted by the building owner or commercial tenant of a nonresidential building located within the Program’s geographic area. The entity submitting the application shall be referred to as the “Applicant of Record.” This entity shall assume all responsibilities related to fulfilling the grant requirements, and it shall be the designated recipient of the grant award and associated funds. d. The signed application form must be submitted through the official platform at mbbiz.gosmart.org. This submission shall service as acknowledgement and agreement to comply with the terms and conditions outlined within this grant contract. III. ELIGIBILITY (see Program Guidelines for more details) The Commercial Façade Improvement Program will be available to any building owner or commercial tenant of a nonresidential building located within the Program’s geographic area. Applications for grants may be submitted by either the legal property owner or the commercial tenant of a nonresidential building situated within the designated geographic area of the Program. All applications from building tenants require the signature and approval of the building owner. Grant recipient will have six (6) months from date of executed agreement to begin project improvements, and twelve (12) months to complete the scope of work following execution of the agreement. The award letter and application agreement will specify the deadline for when the work needs to be completed. All improvements must comply with Miami Beach Municipal Code and Florida Building Code standards. The below property types are ineligible: • Properties that are exclusively residential or do not contain ground floor commercial use. • Properties containing prohibited or non-conforming uses. • Properties whose primary purpose is a place of worship. • Properties encumbered by judgement liens, delinquent mortgage, and tax obligations, and/or building or code violations. • Vacant, unimproved land. • Properties ‘for sale” or listed on the MLS. 3 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION IV. APPLICANT INFORMATION 1. Property Owner Name: _________________________________________________________________ 2. Property Owner Primary Contact: Phone: _________________________ Email: ___________________ 3. Property Owner Home/Primary Address: ___________________________________________________ 4. Name(s) of individual(s) living at Home Address: _____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. City of Miami Beach Address (where grant award will be utilized): ____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Folio Number: _______________________________________________________________________ 7. City of Miami Beach BTR Number (if applicable): ______________________________________________ 8. Florida sales tax registration number (if applicable): _________________________________________ 9. Do you, the applicant (your spouse, parent, or child), have a controlling interest in another eligible businesses? If so, provide the name(s) of the business(es). ____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Is business location/property owned by the business, applicant, or other entity in which the applicant (or spouse, parent, or child) has a controlling interest? ________________________________________ 11. Is there any pending litigation between the property owner/applicant and the City of Miami Beach? ___________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Does the property owner/applicant have any outstanding code compliance violations, fines, or liens? _______________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Commercial Tenant Primary Contact Name: ________________________________________________ 14. Commercial Tenant Primary Contact: Phone: Email: _________________ 15. Commercial Tenant Home Address: _________________________________________________ 16. Name(s) of individual(s) living at Home Address: ________________________________________ 17. Commercial Business Name: ______________________________________________________________ 18. Company DBA, if applicable: ______________________________________________________________ 19. Commercial Business City of Miami Beach BTR Number: ___________________________________ 20. Do you, the applicant (your spouse, parent, or child), have a controlling interest in another eligible businesses? If so, provide the name(s) of the business(es). ___________________________________ 21. Is business location/property owned by the business, applicant, or other entity in which the applicant (or spouse, parent, or child) has a controlling interest? __________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ 22. Is there any pending litigation between the property owner/applicant and the City of Miami Beach? _______________________________________________________________________________________ 4 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION 23. Does the property owner/applicant have any outstanding code compliance violations, fines, or liens? ___________________________________________________________________________________ 24. Amount of grant award requested from North Beach CRA: $ ___________________________________ *Amount to be discussed with North Beach CRA staff prior to application submittal. Program funding awards consist of matching grants of up to 70% the cost of eligible projects, up to an amount not to exceed $20,000 per application provided on a reimbursement basis for expenses paid on completed work 5 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION V. PROJECT PROFILE 1. Location: __________________________________________________ 2. Property Status/Prospective Status: Vacant Occupied 3. Lease term/Proposed Lease Term (if leased): # of months remaining: ________ Renewal Options: Yes No 4. Project Type: Please describe the façade improvement details you plan to incorporate if selected Stucco and/or clapboard restoration Painting Windows (impact-rated), framing installation, glass, and/or door replacement. Awnings (including repair or removal of old awnings and canopies and/or installation of new awnings) Exterior lighting installation, repair, or replacement Façade or masonry renovation or repair Parking facility and/or driveway or installation, repair, or enhancements Installation of brick, textured, and/or sustainable/permeable/pervious pavement. 5. Estimate associated cost of commercial improvements anticipated in connection with Project: Amount $ 6 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPLICATION AUTHORIZATION: The Applicant acknowledges that adherence to the Application and Program Guidelines is a requirement for receipt of the grant award. Failure to comply with Program Guidelines may result in the loss of eligibility for receipt of the grant. Please initial below in acknowledgement of the following. That the North Beach CRA may review and verify the financial records of the Participant and/or perform onsite visits to verify compliance relating to the façade improvement program and determine whether the Participant is in compliance with the terms of the application, program Guidelines and agreement. That compliance with the terms and conditions of the approved application/agreement is a conditional requirement for the receipt of any grant award in a fiscal year and that the Participants’ failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the approved application/agreement results in the loss of eligibility for receipt of grant awards and the revocation by the North Beach CRA Board of the certification of the Participant’s as a North Beach CRA eligible business. That the Participant will maintain financial records related to expenses paid or incurred in which are the subject of this application and Program and submitted to the North Beach CRA as needed. The Participant will retain such expense receipts for a period of four (4) years after payment of the grant award. That the Participant will not complete any work or submit any expenses for costs incurred prior to the final approval of the Commercial Façade Improvement Program by the North Beach CRA. 7 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION A signature is required for submission of an application. The Applicant must have legal signing authority to bind the property to contract. The Applicant is duly authorized to execute this document on behalf of the property legal owner, as applicable. Through application to the program, the Applicant provides consent to the North Beach CRA to verify the company’s business licensure, lease or property ownership status. The Applicant acknowledges that adherence to the application and program guidelines is a requirement for receipt of the grant. Failure to comply with program guidelines may result in the loss of eligibility for receipt of the grant. Name: Title: Address: Email: Phone: Signature: Date: 8 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION Background and Purpose The North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (“North Beach CRA”) Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“Program”) is a matching grant incentive program available for business owners and commercial property owners to help pay the costs of physical improvements to the building façade of their place of business. The Program is available to commercial buildings in North Beach’s Normandy Isles/Vendome Plaza neighborhood, located within the Normandy Isles National Register Historic District, please reference the Program Boundary Map and/or contact the North Beach CRA to determine eligibility. The neighborhood’s architecture contributes to the area’s historic character and reflects the Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style, with notable influences by French-born urban planner Henri Levy. The Program focuses on cultivating an improved visual experience and sense of place through external enhancements to existing buildings. Program funding awards consist of matching grants of up 70% the cost of eligible projects, up to an amount not to exceed $20,000 per application provided on a reimbursement basis for expenses paid on completed work. The program aims to (1) assist business and property owners to improve, repair, and preserve older buildings; (ii) stimulate investment in and revitalization of private property; and (iii) highlight historic architecture to foster a sense of place that is attractive and welcoming to the entire community, whether visitor, resident, shopper, or merchant. Eligibility Eligible Any building owner or commercial tenant of a nonresidential building located with the Program’s geographic area is eligible to apply. All applications from building tenants require the signature and approval of the building owner. Exterior improvements must begin within six (6) months from date of executed agreement and be completed within twelve (12) months following execution of the agreement. The award letter and application agreement will specify the deadline for when the work needs to be completed. All improvements must comply with Miami Beach Municipal Code and Florida Building Code standards. Ineligible • Properties that are exclusively residential or do not contain ground floor commercial use. • Properties containing prohibited or non-conforming uses. • Properties whose primary purpose is a place of worship. • Properties encumbered by judgement liens, delinquent mortgage and tax obligations, and/or building or code violations. • Vacant, unimproved land. • Properties ‘for sale” or listed on the MLS. ELIGIBLE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS A building façade is defined as one vertical side of a building regardless of the number of stories. Only those portions of the building that are visible from a public street are eligible for the Program. To be eligible for grant reimbursement, expenses must be related to improvements made to the street-facing exterior of properties, including: • Restoration or rehabilitation of the building's original and/or historic construction materials (and removal of false façade elements). • Stucco and/or clapboard restoration. • Painting (colors must be approved administratively). • Windows (impact-rated), framing installation, glass, and/or door repair or replacement. • Signage. • Awnings (including the repair or removal of old awnings and canopies and/or installation of new awnings). • Exterior lighting installation, repair, or replacement. • Façade or masonry renovation or repair. 9 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION • Parking facility and/or driveway or installation, repair, or enhancements. • Installation of brick, textured, and/or sustainable/pervious pavement; and • Accessibility upgrades. • Soft costs such as design fees (architecture, engineering, plans), contracting services, building permits and surveys. Payments for the applicant’s own labor or other in-kind costs are NOT eligible. INELIGIBLE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS • Improvements inconsistent with the direction of the North Beach CRA Board or application guidelines. • Improvements performed prior to execution of final agreement with North Beach CRA. • Interior renovations and new construction of additional floor area or habitable space. • Payments for the applicant’s own labor or other in-kind costs. • Any service or improvements performed by a non-licensed contractor. • Storm water enhancements. • Decorative fencing or privacy fencing. • Removal of architecturally significant features. • Installation or repair of statues and fountains. • General maintenance that should be performed as part of routine up-keep. The following descriptions represent considerations for improvements and are not intended to be inclusive of all permissible improvement types: Façade • New storefronts, display windows, and exterior architectural elements. • Removal of elements that cover original architectural design and details. • Replacement of architectural elements that have structural deficiencies. • Exterior painting and new lighting. • Demolition required for the approval of the façade improvements. • Roof improvements that are visible and contribute to the architectural aesthetics of the building. (Complete roof repair or replacement is not permitted.) • Improvements that enhance access, such as handicapped ramps. Signage Upgraded signs are one of the most common and effective ways of drawing attention to a business. An effective sign is memorable and showcases the quality and personality of a business. The simpler the sign, the more attention it will receive. Eligible improvements could include (1) building or street-edge signage and (2) electrical work directly related to the exterior of the building or the installation of approved signage. Awnings Awnings help define storefronts and embellish the streetscape. They provide shade to protect merchandise from the sun and shelter customers from bad weather. Eligible improvements could include the removal of old awnings and the production and installation of new awnings and canopies. Lighting Decorative external light fixtures attached to the building or freestanding. Improved lighting enhances the visual appeal of storefronts and increases public safety along the entire street. Strategic use of warm, ambient lighting can enhance product display and improve advertising to customers while contributing to an attractive, safe street front. Framing, windows, and entrances Together, framing, display windows, and entrances comprise the “storefront system” and should be compatible and inviting. Materials, color, and scale should work together to create a pleasant design that lures customers and enhances the commercial corridor. 10 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION Storefronts with ample window space add more natural lighting and allow customers to see into the store, permitting the merchandise to speak for itself. Window displays provide an opportunity to introduce creativity and leave a lasting impression on passersby. Entrances composed of large glass panels provide for maximum visibility and are welcoming to customers. Make it easy to see into your store. Clear windows and minimal signage will lure customers inside. Restoration of historic or original construction Highlighting historic detail is an easy way to create a memorable storefront and reinforce district identity. Restoring historic architectural details is often more unique and attractive than introducing contemporary elements. Modifications which are consistent with original building design and evidenced by an approved building permit approved by the City of Miami Beach may qualify for administrative, fast-track approval. Miscellaneous • Landscaping and irrigation when considered integral to the façade treatment of the building. • Permanent site furnishing that provides a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, such as benches, trash cans, bike racks, etc. Improvements to the pedestrian and transportation functionality of the property. • Improvements necessary for fire safety and/or ADA accessibility compliance. Requirements for application submittal Grant funds may be allocated to projects satisfying one or more of the Program criteria. An application will be considered, where preliminary approval of the following requirements has been satisfied. The North Beach CRA reserves the discretion to accept, reject or request modification of any application. • Submission of a completed application form • Color photographs of current façade from sidewalk or street • Conceptual design and specific scope of work • Proof of fire and extended insurance for property • Proof of insurance and necessary business licenses for selected contractor • Three (3) project cost estimates/quotes for the proposed work • Documentation of property owner’s approval and permission for tenant improvements • Documentation that the subject property is up to date on all City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County property taxes. • Documentation that the business located at the subject property has an active and valid City of Miami Beach Business Tax Receipt (BTR) Verification and eligibility determination • North Beach CRA staff shall verify all information as necessary. • Once an applicant has been determined to meet eligibility requirements, an initial inspection of the property will be conducted by staff to evaluate suitability and determine if there are any code violations or life and safety issues requiring remediation. • Applicants will be notified in writing regarding eligibility status, including explanation for application denial, if applicable. Approval and notifications Grant awards may only be authorized by the North Beach CRA Board following a recommendation by the North Beach CRA Executive Director. To obtain matching grant funding, applicants must meet all property eligibility and program requirements in effect at the time of funding approval. Program cycle Timeline (Tentative) • Applications to the Program will be accepted on a rolling basis. • North Beach CRA staff will review applications and make preliminary award recommendations over the following 3-4 weeks. If the project is not recommended for award of grant funding, the applicant will also be notified. 11 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION • Grant applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-qualified, first-served basis. Grant awards are limited by funding availability. • Following preliminary recommendation for award, staff will schedule a meeting with applicant to ensure clear understanding of program guidelines, and obligations and responsibilities of all parties. • Each application recommended for award by the staff must be considered and approved by the North Beach CRA Board, who authorizes awards pursuant to adoption of a resolution. • Following North Beach CRA Board approval, the grant recipient will receive an award letter and grant agreement for execution outlining the grant details, project deadline, and expectations. • Grant recipient will have six (6) months from date of executed agreement to begin project, and twelve (12) months to complete the scope of work following execution of the agreement. The grant recipient is required to provide bi-monthly updates to North Beach CRA staff throughout the project permitting and construction process. Additional documents may be required by North Beach CRA staff as requested. • After the improvements are completed, the grant recipient must provide the following to the North Beach CRA for review, prior to reimbursement of expenses: copies of receipts and/or paid invoices, proof of payment (copy of checks or bank statements), contractor license documentation, and photos of completed work. Application Evaluation Criteria The North Beach CRA Board will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications: • Businesses and properties owned by Miami Beach residents. • Businesses and properties owned by veterans. • Projects that support small business retention and expansion in the North Beach CRA. • Projects with heightened vehicular and pedestrian visibility. • Projects that support, encourage, promote, or maintain affordable or workforce housing. • Projects that incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). • Projects with improvements of high-quality design and/or value based on recognized professional standards or best practices. • Projects that align with the design standards established for the neighborhood and, when applicable, which may include historic preservation. • For vacant commercial properties, identification of an end use (office, retail, etc.) and tenants secured (at least a letter of intent); and • Projects that have a clear construction timeline and can be completed within six (6) to twelve (12) months. Grant Awards • The maximum contribution awarded per applicant or property is $20,000. • The Program will match, on a reimbursement basis, up to seventy percent (70%) of the total project costs, up to an amount not to exceed $20,000. • Fifty percent (50%) of the grant award is eligible to be disbursed upon satisfactory completion of fifty percent (50%) of the approved project improvements, or at 100% of project completion, whichever the grant recipient determines. • Project costs incurred before application approval and/or the grant award are ineligible for reimbursement, therefore applicants are strongly discouraged from commencing construction prior to applying for the Program and receiving express approval from North Beach CRA staff and the North Beach CRA Board. • No property may receive more than the maximum allowed grant award, as set forth within these guidelines, within a five (5) year period. • Any entity whether tenant or property owner that submits a second application before the five (5) year program term will be put on a waiting list. • Property owners must adhere to a two (2) year waiting period before new applications for another property address can be submitted. • Amendments to these guidelines may be incorporated from time to time by the North Beach CRA. Vested authority shall be granted to the North Beach CRA Executive Director or his/her designee to authorize minor waiver or amendment to these guidelines. All major amendments to or deviation from these guidelines shall be approved by the North Beach CRA Board. 12 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION Eligible Façade Improvement Boundary Map The initial North Beach CRA Commercial and Residential Program Area is generally described as being bounded by Normandy Court to the north, Bay Drive to the east, Biarritz Court to the south, and Rue Notre Dame to the west. Please see below map. 13 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION Common Façade Architectural Elements *This image depicts architectural elements commonly associated with building façades. It is provided for illustration purposes only and not intended to provide design recommendations or requirements. Sample Reimbursement Award Scenarios 14 NORTH BEACH CRA – COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION _ Internal Use Only – North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Date Received: Approval Signature: Printed Name: