Historic Downtown Merriam Exterior Improvement Grant

Merriam business and property owners can make outdoor improvements, including painting, siding, door/window replacement, awnings, building additions, landscaping, and more.                                                                             

  • $50,000 available 
  • 20% reimbursement from $1,000-$5,000
  • Start accepting applications on March 8

Approved applications will be allocated funding until all program funds are expended

Eligibility

  • Commercial buildings/property that is located within an area bounded by Turkey Creek; the north property line of 5646 Merriam Drive extended to the BNSF railroad; BNSF railroad; the south property line of 5937 Merriam Drive, and the north property line of 5920 Merriam Drive. View Map
  • Minimum $5,000 investment by the property owner
  • Reimbursement amount: minimum $1,000; maximum $5,000
  • Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, painting, siding, door/window replacement, masonry repair, awnings, building additions, landscaping, foundation repair, flood proofing
  • Interior improvements aren't eligible with the exception of flood proofing and foundation repairs
  • Flood proofing must meet FEMA standards and be designed by a Kansas licensed engineer
  • Residential structures aren't eligible
  • If applicable, improvements must meet the Architectural Design Guidelines for the City of Merriam – Downtown District, Oct. 18, 2002
  • The City reserves the right to determine if a proposed improvement meets program requirements
  • All improvements must conform to Merriam Codes
  • Contractor must have a current Merriam Occupational license, and if appropriate, a Johnson County Contractor License
  • Property owner must be current on all property taxes in Merriam
  • Program property must be code complaint with the exception of the violation to be addressed by this grant program
  • All other properties owned by the applicant in Merriam must be code complaint
  • Property owner must provide proof of adequate property insurance
  • Governmental subsides or funds utilized for the improvements aren't eligible for reimbursement

Process

  • The Community Development Department manages the program
  • The City will start accepting applications on March 8, 2021
  • Property owner submits an application to Community Development
  • Applications are reviewed in the order they are received
  • Work bids must be submitted prior to application approval
  • The program will only reimburse the labor costs of the labor provided by a third-party contractor
  • Application must be approved by the City before the start of work
  • Before and after photos of the project will be taken by City staff
  • Property owner is responsible for ensuring that all required permits have been obtained. All permits must be in place prior to any work taking place
  • Work must be completed within 120 days of application approval
  • Work must be completed by October 15
  • One Downtown Exterior Grant per property, per owner, per year
  • One Downtown Exterior Grant per property every 5 years

Before reimbursement

  • Property owner provides at least $5,000 in receipts
  • Staff performs a post-project inspection to verify project completion
  • No exterior code violations are present
  • Property owner must complete a W-9

Application