Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program
The Old Town Sub-Area Plan, adopted through a community-driven process in 2025, created a detailed plan and implementation strategy focused on revitalization of Old Town Battle Ground. The project is intended to improve pedestrian access, traffic flow, and public gathering spots, beautify Battle Ground's Old Town core, and promote the commercial viability of new and existing businesses.
About the Grant Program
To encourage private investment in Old Town, the Battle Ground City Council created the Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program as part of the City's 2026 budget, with $50,000 in total funding available.
This program provides a reimbursement-based grant covering 50% of eligible improvements costs, up to $10,000 per applicant.
Applications will be processed in the order they are received by the City. To ensure fairness, only complete applications will be considered. An applicant may only apply for one (1) grant.
Application Period:
Applications will be accepted May 1 through June 30, 2026.
Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed to determine it meets all eligibility requirements. The applicant will be required to meet with City staff to discuss the project and to review the City's plan submittal process.
Notice of Acceptance:
Successful applicants will be notified of grant award by July 6, 2026.
Applicants whose projects are conditionally approved will be required to enter into a separate agreement with the City of Battle Ground prior to the start of construction that specifies:
- Responsibilities of both the applicant and the City
- Project scope of work and timeline of completion
- Description of the applicant's funding match contribution
- Acknowledgment by the applicant of funding requirements (such as grant reimbursement and prevailing wage), and clarification of the grant review process.
Construction and Reimbursement Requirements:
Approved grant funds are released to successful applicants in the form of a reimbursement paid upon completion of the project.
All construction activity and receipts for grant reimbursement must be completed and submitted to the City by December 31, 2026.
Prevailing Wage
Projects funded under this program are subject to state prevailing wage law (RCW 39.040.010 and RCW 39.12). Applicants will be required to supply proof of payment to all contractors by the applicant, documentation of L&I approved intent/affidavit for prevailing wage, and inspection/approval of work by the City of Battle Ground before reimbursement funds can be issued.
Applicant Cost Responsibilities
The City is not liable for any costs more than the approved grant amount. All project cost overruns not referenced in the grant agreement and approved scope of work are the responsibility of the applicant.
For any project funded under this program in which total project cost exceeds $75,000, state procurement laws would apply (RCW 39.04.010).
Permits and Licenses
An applicant's contractor must hold a valid Washington Contractor License and Battle Ground business endorsement. City of Battle Ground building permits may be required depending on project scope.
Applicants must be a retail or commercial property owner, or a business lessee with written authorization from the property owner, for a property located within the Old Town Area, defined as:
- East Main Street, between North Parkway Avenue and Fairgrounds Avenue
- NE and SE 1st Streets, between North Parkway Avenue and Fairgrounds Avenue
The business must have a current business license. The property owner and business must be in good standing and compliant with all applicable Battle Ground Municipal Code requirements.
The proposed project must:
- Meet all Battle Ground Municipal Code (BGMC) and building code requirements
- Adhere to all applicable local and state laws
- Adhere to all City of Battle Ground design standards, including the Old Town Style Guide contained within the Old Town Sub-Area Plan
The grant may be used for street-facing, exterior building improvements only; interior building improvements are not eligible under this program.
Eligible Exterior Improvements
Examples include:
- Doors and Windows
- Exterior Carpentry - Fascia and Design
- Storefront Renovation
- Signage
- Painting
- Awnings
- Lighting
- Murals or Permanent Exterior Artwork
Ineligible Improvements
Examples Include:
- New Building Construction
- Non-street Facing Improvements
- Non-conforming Signage
- Non-permanent Fixtures (Furnishings, benches, plants, etc.)
- Sidewalk Repair/Restoration/Replacement
- Interior Building Improvements
- Roof Repair/Replacement
- Payment of City of Battle Ground Permits/Fees
- Payment for Applicant's Own Labor
- Routine Repairs/Maintenance
Grants are not retroactive to any work already completed or underway at the time of application.
For more information on the Old Town Facade Improvement Program, including required application submittals such as project description, drawings/renderings, construction bids, etc., should be directed to:
Robert Ferrier, Deputy City Manager
Battle Ground City Hall
109 SW 1st Street
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Email: exec.info@cityofbg.org
Phone: 360-342-5000