Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2022 03 21

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cityOf LOUISVILLE REVITALIZATION Louisville COMMISSION COLORADO -SINCE 1878 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION 22-01: APPROVING A COOPERATION AGREEMENT FOR THE LOUISVILLE REVITALIZATION COMMISSION'S FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2022 PRESENTED BY: AUSTIN BROWN, ECONOMIC VITALITY SPECIALIST MEGAN E. PIERCE, ECONOMIC VITALITY DIRECTOR SUMMARY: In 2021, the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) identified a Fagade Improvement Program as a high priority project. In December 2021, staff presented the LRC with a proposed program. The LRC was supportive of advancing the program, which is outlined below, for City Council consideration, with the goal of opening the program for applications in Q1 2022. The Cooperation Agreement for the LRC's Fagade Improvement Program was approved by City Council on January 4, 2022. DISCUSSION: The goal of the Fagade Improvement Program is to encourage investment in permanent exterior building face improvements that meet design regulations for properties located within the Highway 42 Urban Renewal Area (URA). This investment will result in improved aesthetics within downtown Louisville —attracting more customers to shop, dine, and conduct business —and will facilitate additional private property investment in maintenance and infrastructure. The 2022 LRC budget includes a total of $250,000 to be awarded as part of the Fagade Improvement Program. The proposed program will require businesses to submit an electronic application, which would first be reviewed by staff. This review will include a determination of other approvals that may be required as well as allow staff to prepare a recommendation for the Commission outlining whether the property and proposed improvements are eligible to receive funding. Improvements to buildings built before 1955 will require a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review; some improvements may also trigger the need for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment and/or building permit. Economic Vitality staff will be the ombudsman to direct these other potential approvals in coordination with Planning staff. With staff's recommendation, LRC will consider an application for approval. Commissioners directed that matching funds would be done on a tiered basis so that a higher level of "match" or reimbursement is given for smaller projects. This structure also considers the level of investment being proposed by the business or property owner, as outlined below: • Eligible project costs up to $15,000: 100% reimbursable 13