Supporting the Businesses That Make Aledo
The Aledo Community Enhancement (ACE) Grant Program assists commercial property owners and business operators by providing matching grants for eligible property improvements. Available to businesses throughout the City of Aledo, the program supports projects that enhance the appearance, safety, and usability of commercial properties. Funding may be used for improvements such as building renovations, landscaping, parking lot enhancements, lighting upgrades, and other qualifying site improvements that contribute to the community's economic vitality.
Information
Frequently Asked Questions
This program provides matching grants to reimburse commercial property owners or business operators for Eligible Enhancements made to their properties.
Any commercial business in the City of Aledo that is looking to enhance their existing site visually, or in ways that increase the viability of the property for business use.
There are 10 different categories of improvements that are eligible for consideration as part of this grant program. These include –
1. Façade enhancements
The replacement or restoration of façade materials, cleaning or power washing exteriors, painting, replacement of windows and doors, installation of new or renovation of existing awnings and canopies, any restoration of historical architecture, roof repairs, and the rehab of gutters and downspouts.
2. Interior building renovations
Renovations that enhance the usability of a building.
3. Landscaping
The installation of edging boundaries, shrubs and trees, seasonal plantings that provide color and aid beautification efforts, upgrades to or installation of irrigation systems, lawn renovations, and replacement or installation of fencing.
4. Lighting
The replacement of interior lighting, lighting in pedestrian areas such as sidewalks, accent lighting, and signage lighting.
5. Parking areas and driveways Reconstruction efforts, including the removal of existing pavement, gravel, curbing, drives, or ramps, resurfacing of asphalt parking areas, and the restriping of parking spots and fire lanes.
6. Pedestrian amenities
The paving of areas for customers to congregate, addition of seating areas, shade structures, installation of fixtures to provide music, trash receptacles, and addition of play equipment for public and customer use.
7. Signage
Replacement of existing signs with new signs that comply with City Code.
8. Code Compliance
Reconstruction or new construction for public accessibility requirements and installation or upgrade of fire suppression systems for safety purposes.
9. Demolition
Costs associated with demolishing and removing existing structures.
10. Public Art Installation
Addition of murals, sculptures, interactive art, visual art, etc.
*For more information on eligible enhancements and limitations please refer to the Aledo Community Enhancement Program Policy.
1. Façade enhancements
The replacement or restoration of façade materials, cleaning or power washing exteriors, painting, replacement of windows and doors, installation of new or renovation of existing awnings and canopies, any restoration of historical architecture, roof repairs, and the rehab of gutters and downspouts.
2. Interior building renovations
Renovations that enhance the usability of a building.
3. Landscaping
The installation of edging boundaries, shrubs and trees, seasonal plantings that provide color and aid beautification efforts, upgrades to or installation of irrigation systems, lawn renovations, and replacement or installation of fencing.
4. Lighting
The replacement of interior lighting, lighting in pedestrian areas such as sidewalks, accent lighting, and signage lighting.
5. Parking areas and driveways Reconstruction efforts, including the removal of existing pavement, gravel, curbing, drives, or ramps, resurfacing of asphalt parking areas, and the restriping of parking spots and fire lanes.
6. Pedestrian amenities
The paving of areas for customers to congregate, addition of seating areas, shade structures, installation of fixtures to provide music, trash receptacles, and addition of play equipment for public and customer use.
7. Signage
Replacement of existing signs with new signs that comply with City Code.
8. Code Compliance
Reconstruction or new construction for public accessibility requirements and installation or upgrade of fire suppression systems for safety purposes.
9. Demolition
Costs associated with demolishing and removing existing structures.
10. Public Art Installation
Addition of murals, sculptures, interactive art, visual art, etc.
*For more information on eligible enhancements and limitations please refer to the Aledo Community Enhancement Program Policy.
The potential matching grant for each category of property improvements is EITHER 50% of the total cost of the enhancement, OR $10,000- whichever is the lesser amount of the two.
Examples:
Please note that grant payments will be provided only as REIMBURSEMENTS for improvements. Payments will not be paid up front, prior to construction, and will require invoice and payment verification.
Examples:
- This means that if Company A submits an application for assistance on a $500 landscape improvement to their property, the most the City will match is 50% of that amount, or $250.
- If Company B submits an application for assistance on a $25,000 façade improvement to their property, the most the City will match is $10,000, since 50% of $12,500 is over $10,000.
- If Company C submits an application for assistance on BOTH a $500 landscape improvement AND an $15,000 façade improvement, the City can match up to $7,750 (50%). In this scenario, because the landscaping improvements and façade improvements are in different categories of Eligible Enhancements, the two requests can be considered independently.
Please note that grant payments will be provided only as REIMBURSEMENTS for improvements. Payments will not be paid up front, prior to construction, and will require invoice and payment verification.
If you are a business owner that would like to apply for assistance through the ACE Program but you do not own your building, you just need to provide a copy of your lease agreement and support from the property owner with your application submission.
The ACE Program is for commercial properties ONLY in the City of Aledo.
First, read over the ACE Program Policy and then fill out the application.
You can also call 817.441.7016 ext. 4013 to speak directly with the program liaison
about the program, find out if your proposed improvement may be eligible for
consideration, or answer any questions or comments!
Please provide the following with your application:
You can also call 817.441.7016 ext. 4013 to speak directly with the program liaison
about the program, find out if your proposed improvement may be eligible for
consideration, or answer any questions or comments!
Please provide the following with your application:
- Proof of ownership of the property OR written approval of the application from the owner and a copy of your signed lease agreement
- Photographs of the existing property (optional)
- Drawings, renderings, or plans of the proposed enhancements (optional)
- Written description of enhancements, including building materials and color schemes to be used
- A construction cost estimate provided by a licensed contractor
Once the application has been received and vetted for completeness, the City will prepare an impact analysis for the improvement(s) to present to the Aledo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). The AEDC will meet in Closed Session (private) following their next scheduled Regular Meeting to discuss the request and determine whether they would like to approve a grant or not.
The City will contact the applicant to provide a response and to proceed with drafting an agreement for both parties to sign. This process can take an average of 2 – 4 weeks and should be completed prior to the start of any construction or enhancement on the Property.
All grant applications shall be considered and negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Specific consideration will be given to projects which further the goals and objectives of the community. Nothing within the ACE Program Policy, nor any previously-issued agreement shall imply or suggest that the City is under any obligation to provide financial incentives at any time to any applicant.
The City will contact the applicant to provide a response and to proceed with drafting an agreement for both parties to sign. This process can take an average of 2 – 4 weeks and should be completed prior to the start of any construction or enhancement on the Property.
All grant applications shall be considered and negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Specific consideration will be given to projects which further the goals and objectives of the community. Nothing within the ACE Program Policy, nor any previously-issued agreement shall imply or suggest that the City is under any obligation to provide financial incentives at any time to any applicant.
Contact the Erika Cooper-Bateman directly at 817-441-7016 ext. 4013 or by email at ecooper@aledotx.gov with any questions regarding the ACE Program.