CHAPTER 3: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
buildings. It also deals with the long-term design management and protection of the significant and contributing resources within downtown’s National Register District.
Building Rehabilitation Over the years, Main Street Momence and its Design Committee have done quite well in facilitating improvements to downtown building facades and storefronts with its existing Façade Grant Program. Going forward, these efforts should be enhanced with a larger pool of funds to encourage more significant building improvements, especially in regards to building stabilization and maintenance, and storefront reconstruction. An enhanced downtown building rehabilitation program may include the following elements:
A “creativity clause” in the sign code can encourage signage that helps business “brand” themselves appropriately while f itting in with a downtown’s overall design character.
designed sensitively and attractively in storefront spaces, both interior and exterior. This chapter should be reviewed and revised to encourage creativity in downtown signage and to regulate storefront window signage and the types of illuminated signage that could be suitable in the core downtown district. Additional standards in terms of permitted sign materials and dimensions could also be incorporated. A separate subsection defining permitted signage within the B-1 — Limited Retail District only could also be considered.
Historic Preservation and Adaptive Use The historic preservation element within the Downtown Master Plan encompasses the appropriate rehabilitation and adaptive use of downtown Momence’s historic commercial
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DOWNTOWN MOMENCE MASTER PLAN
• Grant awards should be increased from $2,500 to a range between $7,500 or $20,000 on a 50 percent matching basis. An increased grant amount would be able to underwrite more substantial costs related to exterior maintenance and storefront rehabilitation. Grants could be awarded on a more restricted, competitive basis — perhaps just two or three projects per year on an annual basis. Ideally an operating budget of $50,000 to $75,000 supporting two to three projects or more per year is suggested. • An enhanced incentive program could be financed through Tax Increment Financing revenues and contributions from the municipality, corporate donors, outside grants and community foundations. • Consider adding a bonus grant amount if a property owner is applying for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit program.