DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

The City of Lathrup Village Downtown Development Authority has established Sign and Facade Grant Programs to encourage improvement and upgrading of the business district intended to complement the architectural character of Lathrup Village and the high standards desired in the DDA District. 

Sign Grant
Subject to funding availability, the DDA may approve and provide reimbursement of 50% of the cost to design, construct, and install a sign, or 100% of the cost to remove a non-conforming or dilapidated sign, up to a maximum grant of $2,000.

Approved businesses, which own or occupy a building located within the DDA District, are eligible to receive grant funds. Generally, a business is eligible to apply for grants only once in each three year period. A business may apply for a second grant within three years however; the application will be given the lowest priority and granted only if adequate reserve funds are available. In the case of a strip center, one ground sign for the center shall be eligible together with signs for each eligible individual business.

All applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The intention of this grant is for businesses to work with the DDA Board and Design Committee BEFORE erecting any new signage onto their building, therefore please allow for at least two months before being awarded any grant funding. All signs are still subject to the City's Sign Ordinance, and must be approved by the Building Department prior to receiving consideration from the DDA Board for a Sign Grant.

Facade Grant

The City of Lathrup Village Downtown Development Authority has established a competitive Façade Grant Program to incentivize redevelopment throughout its commercial corridors. Work which qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of a building within the DDA District which are visible from the public right-of-way. Funded construction should enhance the built environment of Lathrup Village and achieve the high standards desired in the DDA area.  A façade is the most prominent visual element in a downtown and is the primary way in which businesses attract customers. Given that over 50,000 cars drive along Southfield Road every day, it is imperative that the commercial district communicates a look and feel of quality.