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Facade, Signage and Lighting Improvement Program
About the Program
The Facade, Signage and Lighting Improvement Program provides technical and financial assistance to property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades. The Program seeks to improve the physical appearance of independent businesses and enhance the commercial districts of Cambridge.
The Program provides a matching grant for facade improvements, which may include restoration of architectural details, better windows and doors, and well-proportioned signage and lighting. An architectural consultant retained by the City can provide assistance to applicants through the conceptual design stage, at no cost to applicants. Large scale projects may require a licensed architect and contractor to refine a conceptual design and to implement the City-approved plans.
Upgrading the image of a commercial district and storefront requires the evaluation of each proposed improvement within the local historical and architectural context. Designers must coordinate all elements of the building facade in an approach that respects the building’s location and neighboring structures and makes a noticeable visual improvement.
Please note that improvements made prior to approval of a design and contract by the Program's review committee will not be funded. Reimbursement grant limits vary from year to year. Please contact the Program for information on the current funding limits.
How to Apply
To participate in the Facade, Signage and Lighting Improvement Program business owners must complete the following application forms. These files are in PDF format and require use of the free Adobe Acrobat viewer.
Go
to the Facade and Signage
Improvement Program Guidelines and Application Form. (164 KB)
Go
to the Cambridge Energy Alliance Guidelines and Date Release Form. (155
KB)
What is the Cambridge Energy Alliance? The Cambridge Energy Alliance is a city-sponsored nonprofit group created to save you money on utility bills and maintenance expenses, while reducing Cambridge’s carbon footprint and creating jobs in the city. The innovative CEA program offers practical solutions that will lead to comprehensive results. For more information about the CEA, please visit the Cambridge Energy Alliance web site.
Facade Photo Gallery
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Signage Photo Gallery
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For More Information
If you have questions about the Facade Improvement Program or would like to receive a copy of the guidelines and application, contact Chris Basler, cbasler@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4601. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.
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