The City of Fort Pierce is partnering with the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) to promote its Façade Improvement Project and St. Lucie County’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program.
The City is providing up to $5,000 in matching grant funds through its Façade Improvement Program for primary focus areas in Fort Pierce. These areas include Orange Avenue, from US Highway 1 through 25th Street and commercial properties located within the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The SELF program offers financing solutions for exterior improvements to commercial properties related to roof, window and A/C replacements. This financing could cover the matching funds required for the City’s grant award.
“Together, a façade grant award from the City and financing through the PACE program will provide a win-win for commercial property owners and the citizens of Fort Pierce,” explained Libby Woodruff, Manager of Urban Redevelopment for the City. "This will encourage economic development, new business startups and the creation of jobs.”
Commercial property owners located within the focus areas can apply to receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the total cost of their façade improvement project, up to $5,000. The program requires at least a dollar for dollar match by the applicant. Façade Improvement grant applications are reviewed by the City’s Communitywide Council who make recommendations to the City Commission for awards. The goal of the project is to encourage building renovation, historic preservation and improved economic vitality along the Orange Avenue corridor and within the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The Façade Improvement Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant program. The Façade Improvement Program cannot provide assistance for buildings with certain uses and cannot fund improvements to residential properties.
PACE is an alternative financing program that provides 100% up-front financing to help property owners make improvements to buildings and facilities, including: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; and, (3) wind resilience. PACE financing is secured by equity in the subject property and the voluntary assessments are paid back over time on the property tax bill. PACE financing is a voluntary assessment that remains with the property and not the owner. PACE financing is not a personal or business loan and no credit check is required for the program.
Interested property owners are encouraged to contact the City of Fort Piece Department of Urban Redevelopment at 772-467-3169 or the non-profit Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) that administers St. Lucie County Property Assessed Clean (PACE) program at 772-468-1818.