Sign & Awning Grant

The Waukesha Business Improvement District offers matching financial incentives for conforming signage and awnings for businesses within the BID boundaries.  With prior approval, the BID offers up to $500 per business for signage and $500 per 20 feet of awning. 

Facade Grant

The Facade Grant program consists of matching funds up to $3,500 per property.  Matching paint grants are also available with a maximum of $1,000.

Other availble funds for building restoration include the Federal Rehabilitation 20% Tax Credit, and the State of Wisconsin 5% Rehabilitation Tax Credit.  The property must be historic, listed on the National Register of Historic Properties, or within a National Register District.  A formal application is required.  A portion of the BID District is designated as a Historic District. To verify if your building qualifies, please contact the City Planning Department at 262-524-3750.

The Federal Rehabilitation 10% Tax Credit is a Federal program that provides a 10% investment tax credit for rehabilitation of income producing properties built before 1936.  Aimed at non-historic designated properties that are ineligible for the 20% credit.

Waukesha Landmarks Commission Paint & Repair Program is provided by the Waukesha Landmarks Commission and provides a maximum grant of $750 per building for paint and materials.  A single property may receive a maximum of two grants over a five-year period.  Properties are eligible if they are either on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a Local Landmark, park of a designated historic district, over 50 years old, or identified by the Landmarks Commission as having architectural, archeological, or historic significance.  The Landmarks Commision determines eligibility and grant amount.  Preference is given to low and moderate income property owners.

Waukesha Landmarks Rehabilitation Assistance Program.  The Waukesha Landmarks Commission provides a maximum loan of $10,000 at 6% interest for approved rehabilitation work on historic properties.  Eligible work includes efforts that are needed to prevent deterioration and destruction of the historical property, to restore and preserve original architectural details, and/or bring the property into compliance with the Waukesha Building Code and Minimum Housing Code.