Franklin Development Corporation's Façade Grant Program Transforms Downtown
Since its inception in 2010, the Franklin Development Corporation (FDC) has spearheaded urban revitalization efforts through its façade grant program, a matching grant initiative aimed at improving the exterior of downtown commercial and residential buildings.
The façade program was born out of a desire to reinvest in downtown properties, with the first facades completed on East Jefferson Street, including the FDC’s own office at 120 E Jefferson St.
As the Community Development Director for the City of Franklin, Krista Linke manages the Redevelopment Commission and the Economic Development Commission, as well as the FDC.
“The FDC was formed to be a catalyst for downtown reinvestment,” said Linke. “Grants are 1:1 matching by the property owners.”
Since launching the program, the FDC has funded 103 façade improvement grants. Linke pointed out that these improvements have had a noticeable revitalization effect on Franklin’s downtown area.
“Projects are required to follow a set of architectural guidelines in order to be funded,” she said. “We have been able to preserve many historic properties that would have otherwise deteriorated or been renovated incorrectly.”
One of the standout projects was the restoration of the Hazelette Building at 25 E. Court Street, which had been vacant for years.
“It had been vacant for over a decade and the roof system was failing,” said Linke. “It was starting to compromise the adjoining buildings and was unsafe. The restoration of that building was a huge catalyst in getting other downtown property owners to improve their properties.”
Initial skepticism from the community regarding incentivizing private development has gradually faded as the positive effects of the program became clear.
“At first it was a struggle to get the community to support these programs,” Linke said. “Once the community began to see the positive effects these programs were creating, that all changed.”
The program’s success can best be seen in the thriving downtown business community.
“We used to have a page with available properties to try to encourage people to invest downtown,” Linke said. “Now there are no vacant storefronts and there is a waiting list for downtown real estate.”
In addition to the façade grant program, the FDC has also begun addressing problem residential properties in Franklin through direct investment. Their first project, at 280 Circle Drive, targeted a property that had been vacant for 15 years.
“This was a new initiative by the FDC to fix the worst house in a neighborhood and make it the best house in the neighborhood,” said Linke.
Though the program has made a significant impact on commercial properties, Linke emphasized the importance of the residential component as well.
“The residential program has resulted in life-changing benefits for homeowners,” she said. “Several thought they were going to have to sell their homes because they could not afford to make much-needed improvements.”
Linke added that they are now working on their fourth such property.
As Franklin continues to grow and thrive, Linke noted the ongoing commitment of the FDC to revitalizing and preserving the historic and cultural heart of the city.
“These programs are an integral part of the ongoing success of the core downtown,” she said.
For more information on the FDC, their façade grant program or any other community development projects, visit their website at franklindevelopmentcorporation.org or visit the City of Franklin’s website at franklin.in.gov.