Wauconda, IL

The Village of Wauconda Facade Improvement Program is intended to inspire and encourage property owners and tenants to re-invest in and renovate their commercial exteriors. The financial assistance incentivizes property owners to preserve, restore, and rehabilitate the exterior features of their buildings. revitalizing the business community and attracting new businesses and customers.  

The goal of the Façade Improvement Program (FIP) is to enhance the aesthetic of the built environment, while promoting economic development and redevelopment opportunities, and reducing the blight within the Village.  In order to meet these goals, the Village will provide financial assistance to businesses/property owners through grant funding to redevelopment/beautification opportunities.

Proposed improvement elements may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Architectural or Engineering Design Services
• Exterior Painting
• Tuck-Pointing
• Building Sealing
• Wall Cleaning
• Doors, Doorways, or Windows
• Chimneys
• Lighting
• Canvas Awnings, Canopies
• Signage
• Entrance or Entryway Improvements

See Façade Improvement Program for the full list.

The Village of Wauconda’s financial participation in the program during any fiscal year is limited to the funds budgeted for the program. Façade improvement disbursements are paid only when the approved project is completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Eligible project costs for façade improvement incentives shall include, but are not limited to labor, materials, and equipment needs for the construction and installation of private improvements to the building façade. To be eligible for matching funds, the minimum project cost total shall not be less than $5,000.00 to receive 50% matching funds from the Village.

All applications for Façade Improvement Program assistance, must be approved by the Economic Development Committee and Village Board prior to the commencement of work in order to qualify for the program. Disbursement of funds will take place upon the completion of the project and with the approval of the Director of Community Development and the Village Board. Download program guidelines for the Façade Improvement Program (FIP) for additional information.

To apply, complete the online fillable Façade Improvement Program (FIP) application. Please note that additional documentation is required for grant consideration. A complete list can be found on page 3 of the application.

Awarded facade improvement projects
The Village is proud to have partnered with businesses that are reinvesting in their long-term success in Wauconda. The Facade Improvement Program (FIP), which began in 2021, has allowed for exterior improvements of 9 businesses totaling $372,447.92 of reinvestment. The following list includes all of the completed projects:

• Malik Offices (211 S Main St) updated awning and staircase.
• Side Lots Bar & Grill (110 Slocum Lake Rd) exterior wood replacement and paint
• Able Barmilling & Mfg. (1111 N Old Rand Rd) new signage and landscaping 
• Victor Ford (1400 N Rand Rd) exterior painting
• Lindy's Landing (115 Park Ave) new signage at entrance
• Ya-mon Properties LLC (314-316 W Liberty St) building renovation, awning replacement, asphalt replacement in parking lot
• Advanced Prototype Mold (1520 N Rand Rd) exterior paint, new doors, and landscaping
• Marling Management (216-218 S Main St) exterior paint and awnings, new signage
• Bungalow Printing (432 W Liberty St) exterior tuckpointing and new signage