ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced a partnership with the Ellicott City Partnership (ECP) to launch a $100,000 Façade Improvement Grant Program for commercial property owners and business owners in Ellicott City’s Historic District. The grant, awarded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and administered by the ECP with the support of the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Economic Development Authority, will be used for exterior building improvements in Old Ellicott City.
Ellicott City businesses continue to rebound, with Main Street welcoming seven new businesses during the last year and achieving the lowest commercial vacancy rate in three decades. This grant program, closely following the launch of two other initiatives in support of the area, Old Ellicott City Summer Bucks and Local HoCo, will further support and revitalize businesses in the Historic District.
Historic Ellicott City features more than 80 small businesses located along the town’s Main Street. Each business can apply for an award between $500 and $10,000. Eligible improvements include any building enhancement visible to the public, such as signage repair, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, and window and door upgrades. Applications are now open through August 31, 2024, and the ECP will inform applicants of their final choices by September 30, 2024.
“We have been administering this facade improvement grant program for a few years. It has provided wonderful opportunities for Ellicott City business owners to receive support from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to enhance their buildings, install new business signs, or even continue the flood mitigation efforts throughout town,” said Julia Sanger, President of the Ellicott City Partnership.
All projects must be reviewed and approved by the Ellicott City Partnership, the local Historic Preservation Commission, and the County and State prior to starting work. All approved work must be completed, and evidence of expenditures submitted by June 30, 2025, to be eligible for reimbursement.
“The Façade Improvement Grant will contribute to the rejuvenation of Old Ellicott City,” said Lynda Eisenberg, Director at the Department of Planning and Zoning. “After the devastating floods of 2016 and 2018, this initiative will compliment numerous efforts that are breathing new life into the area, restoring its charming buildings and preserving its unique character. It’s heartening to see this community come together and continue to write its successful revitalization story.”
For more information about the grant program and to apply, visit https://form.jotform.com/240396456935164.