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Frankfort Redevelopment Commission Adds Roof Repairs To Facade Grants

City of Frankfort

Frankfort property owners will be able to refurbish more than just the fronts of their buildings after a Redevelopment Commission vote Monday.

Façade grants typically fund improvements to elements such as entryways, windows, and tuckpointing, often in the downtown areas of cities who want to boost foot traffic by enhancing the look of local businesses. Redevelopment Commission member Joe Palmer says façade grant applicants may now include roof repairs, despite the fact that they’re a practical—rather than aesthetic—upgrade.

“If the roof’s no good to a building, then there’s no need putting money into what we call the façade or the front,” Palmer says.

Palmer says this isn’t the first time the commission has broadened the scope of the façade grant. Owners whose buildings whose back walls require visible attention may also apply for money.

“The whole goal of this is making sure we restore as much as possible of our downtown, make it look very appealing to everybody—and it also helps the owners of that property,” Palmer says.

Frankfort allots $75,000 a year for the grants, matching applicant funds up to $15,000 dollars. Palmer says the commission receives about half-a-dozen applications a year.