Blacksburg Spark: Downtown Facade Improvement Program

The Town of Blacksburg's "Blacksburg Spark: Downtown Facade Improvement Program" is a municipal grant initiative designed to revitalize the heart of downtown Blacksburg, Virginia, by offering matching funds to property and business owners for the enhancement of building exteriors. This program aims to stimulate economic vitality, improve public-facing aesthetics, and reinforce community pride through the visible improvement of commercial storefronts. Funding is allocated by the Town of Blacksburg and reimbursed through the Economic Development Authority of Montgomery County, Virginia (EDA), offering successful applicants up to $20,000 in matching reimbursement for eligible facade-related projects. The primary focus of this initiative is the Downtown Commercial Zoning District, where eligible applicants include owners and tenants (with property owner consent) of commercial properties that are not government-owned. All applicants must hold or be in the process of acquiring a valid business license and be current on local tax obligations. Vacant buildings may qualify with documentation of intended future use, although priority is given to active, owner-occupied, or long-term tenant-occupied properties. The grant encourages thoughtful architectural improvements visible from the public right-of-way, including enhancements to façades, signage, lighting, windows, doors, awnings, and ADA-compliant accessibility upgrades. Eligible expenses encompass a wide range of improvements that contribute to aesthetic and functional upgrades of commercial building exteriors. These include, but are not limited to, masonry and brickwork restoration, painting, installation or repair of signage and lighting, decorative architectural element repair, and design services. Interior improvements, equipment purchases, new building construction, and other non-visible upgrades are ineligible for funding. Matching funds from applicants can be met through direct investment, loans, or qualifying prior improvements within one year of application submission. Reimbursement will only be provided after project completion, upon submission and approval of proper documentation. The application process is managed via the Town’s OpenGov platform, and a completed application must be signed by all relevant parties. Once submitted, the Town Manager’s Office will initiate a review, which may result in approval, requests for additional details, or rejection. Successful applicants must provide design documentation, cost estimates, construction timelines, and contractor bids (a minimum of one bid required, with more encouraged). Additional compliance steps include securing necessary building, signage, and electrical permits, especially for projects located within the Town’s Historic District, which may require approval from the Historic or Design Review Board (HDRB). Projects are evaluated on design quality, building condition, visibility, alignment with the Town’s strategic planning goals, and historical sensitivity. Scoring is conducted by Town staff based on a weighted rubric, and the grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the budgeted funds are exhausted. The program is currently accepting applications through May 1, 2026, with funding disbursed only after full project completion and final review. Any deviations from approved project scope or missed deadlines may result in forfeiture of funds. Design fees are reimbursed up to 20% of the Town’s grant share, contingent on successful project completion. The program underscores the Town's commitment to preserving architectural integrity while fostering a vibrant business environment. All applicants are responsible for coordinating necessary approvals, working with qualified professionals, and complying with established permit and review processes. Questions regarding the application or process may be directed to Angie Marcolini, Business Solutions Manager at the Town of Blacksburg, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (540) 443-1621. Further details can be found on the Town’s official Commercial Facade Grant Program webpage.

Follow design guidelines closely and secure permits and HDRB approvals early to avoid forfeiting grant.