The Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association (Elkhart UEA) has established a façade loan program to encourage building rehabilitation within the Downtown Elkhart Commercial Historic District (see map at right). Officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places in November of 1997, this district is the site of some of Elkhart’s most unique and historic examples of architecture. The Elkhart UEA recognizes the significant impact that the building facades of these structures can have on the attractiveness and marketability of our downtown, and it is for this reason that we created the façade loan program.

The Elkhart UEA will provide funding for up to 50% of eligible costs (maximum grant award of $20,000) for exterior rehabilitation of commercial/retail buildings located within the Downtown Commercial Historic District area as shown on the attached map. Funding assistance is also available for awnings or canopies located on the primary façade for 50% of the total cost up to a maximum of $1,000.00.

The maximum assistance available for each loan will be determined by the need and necessity of each applicant. This assistance may be accessed during one or more program funding cycles. The loans are secured by a mortgage on the property, but require no payments and carry a 0% interest rate. The loans will be forgiven on a monthly basis, and upon the third anniversary of the loan, as long as ownership of the property has not changed, the loan is forgiven and the mortgage released.

The EUEA will pay 50% up to $1,000.00 of architectural drawings done on a property, and then reimburse another $1,000.00 if the project is carried through.

Funds are available only for the rehabilitation and improvement of a primary façade of a building, which is defined as the vertical face of a building that fronts directly on a public street. (It is thus possible for a building located on a corner to have two primary facades, and for work done on either or both to be eligible for assistance through this program.). However, funds are also available for the rehabilitation and improvement of a rear façade of a building which directly faces the River Walk.

For complete information, please download the guidelines and application form at right.