Façade Improvement Grant Program

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Virginia City Main Street Façade Improvement Grant Program

The Virginia City Main Street Façade Improvement Grant Program offers matching grants up to $1,000 to support exterior improvements to commercial buildings along the Main Street corridor.

This program is about taking care of the place we all share. It supports property and business owners in making meaningful, historically appropriate improvements that strengthen the look, feel, and long-term vitality of Virginia City.

Download the application here

Program Objectives

• Improve the appearance and authenticity of the Main Street corridor
• Support local businesses and property owners in maintaining their buildings
• Encourage practical, visible improvements that make a difference
• Strengthen the local economy through a more inviting and cohesive district
• Build a foundation for continued investment in the community

Funding Structure

Applicants are welcome to invest more into their projects. The grant will reimburse up to the awarded amount.

• Maximum Grant Award: Up to $1,000
• Minimum Request: No minimum
• Match Requirement: Dollar-for-dollar cash match required
• Total Available Funding: $10,000 (approximately 10 awards)

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Commercial property owners
• Business tenants with written approval from the property owner

Properties must be located within the Virginia City Main Street corridor, defined as:

• The primary C Street corridor and adjacent blocks A through F
• Extending approximately two miles north to south

Eligible Improvements

Projects must focus on exterior improvements that respect the historic character of the district. All work must follow local historic and building requirements.

Examples include:

• Paint and color updates
• Window and door repair or replacement
• Signage improvements
• Exterior lighting
• Minor façade repair and restoration
• Removal of non-historic materials

Labor and Cost Guidelines

Grant funds may reimburse:

• Materials
• Third-party labor

Owners, employees, and volunteers:

• May contribute labor
• May not be paid with grant funds
• Should document their time as in-kind contribution

Match requirement:

• Must be cash-based
• In-kind labor does not count toward the match

Handymen:

• May be used for small-scale work
• Must follow County guidelines
• Materials are separate from labor limits

Insurance and Compliance

Virginia City Main Street and the Storey County Chamber of Commerce are not responsible for project execution or outcomes.

• Contractors must meet licensing requirements where applicable
• Contractors should carry standard liability insurance
• All work must comply with County rules and permitting

Application Process

Submit applications to:

Alexia Sober
[email protected]

Applications must include:

• Applicant and business information
• Property address
• Description of the proposed work
• Project budget (materials and labor listed separately)
• Photos of current conditions
• Work plan or contractor information (if applicable)
• Written property owner approval (required for tenants)

Download the application here

Timeline

• Application Window: May through June 2026
• Review Period: June 27 to July 1, 2026
• Awards Announced: July 2026
• Project Completion: July through December 2026

Projects can be completed early.

Reimbursement will be processed after completion and approval.

All funds must be fully reimbursed by April 2027.

Review and Selection

Applications will be reviewed by a community-based selection committee, including:

• Comstock Historic District Commission
• Storey County
• Local merchant representative
• Virginia City Main Street Board member
• Comstock Foundation for History and Culture Board member
• Community resident

Weighted Evaluation Criteria

Funding is limited, and not all applications will be selected.

• Historic appropriateness and design alignment – 30%
• Visibility and impact – 25%
• Project readiness – 20%
• Alignment with program purpose – 15%
• Ability to complete on time – 10%

Reimbursement Process

This is a reimbursement-based grant:

1. Complete the project
2. Submit receipts, proof of payment, and before and after photos
3. Program review
4. Reimbursement issued (typically within 30 to 60 days)

CHDC Coordination

Applicants are encouraged to connect with the Comstock Historic District Commission early to make sure plans align with historic expectations and to avoid delays.