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Façade Grant Program coming to Monroe’s downtown district
City of Monroe and Main Street Monroe, Inc. partner to launch program
Garden-Deli-sign
The Garden Deli, located on the south side of Monroe’s downtown square, began its facade repair work in front of the store this week, ultimately unveiling the sign for the previous Schmidt’s Shoe Store that was active in the 1950s and 1960s. - photo by Adam Krebs

MONROE — The City of Monroe and Main Street Monroe Inc. are excited to announce a new Façade Grant Program aimed at helping local property owners enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings while strengthening the sense of place that makes Monroe a welcoming and vibrant community.

The program, officially approved by the full city council on January 19th, aims to support exterior and structural improvements to downtown commercial properties. While the program in its current form is new, the city had a similar program that was suspended in 2010 when funds were exhausted. Now, $400,000 is being allocated to this new program, with the possibility of more dedicated in the future. Funding is from the Tax Incremental Finance District (TID) 7 that covers the downtown district. New taxes created in a TID are collected with the goal of spurring economic growth and returning money to the district.

For Main Street’s executive director, Jordan Nordby, it is confirmation of the economic vitality of the downtown district. “There was a time when that TID had no funds available, but as it’s matured and downtown has become even healthier, that has changed. It’s incredibly exciting to be at a point where real money can be reinvested downtown. Our goal is to make sure that as many businesses as possible take advantage of this. So often there isn’t funding available for mid-size projects.”

City administrator, Brittney Rindy, brought the idea up to Nordby in the summer of 2025, with the two drafting the program. Following feedback from the city’s Finance Committee, it was brought to the full city council for approval last month. Administrator Rindy notes, “ We’re incredibly grateful for the support that made this program possible. Reinvesting TID 7 funds back into our downtown businesses is a meaningful way to preserve the historic buildings that define Monroe’s character. These structures are more than storefronts — they are part of our community’s identity.”

By encouraging reinvestment in existing buildings, the program seeks to improve aesthetics, support small businesses, and create inviting spaces for residents and visitors alike. Main Street Monroe’s Design Committee, which has been responsible for a variety of downtown projects — from seasonal decorations to the downtown pocket park — will review applications quarterly. The volunteer committee includes past business owners, residents, as well as an architect. Recommendations will then be sent to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission that will also approve each application.

Grants amount can range from $5,000 to $50,000 and will be 1:1 matches. Rindy notes that the grant mirrors existing city programs where any awarded grants will be paid directly to the contractor once work has been completed. The thought behind that is to incentivize applicants, with less money being needed upfront for anyone applying.

Ryan and Sabra Wolff, owners of Cactus Co Booze N’ Bites on the south side of the square, are excited about the partnership between the city and Main Street and the realization of the program. The couple opened their business in the summer of 2022. Sabra feels that the program is about community pride. “When our buildings are well cared for, it reflects the people who live, work, invest here.” Added Ryan, “owning a historic building does require maintenance and for us, with the visibility from Spring Square Parking, we would definitely like to keep improving and preserving this building.”

Grant materials were sent out by Main Street on Monday, Feb. 2. The first round of applications will be accepted in April. Rindy and Nordby are expecting a 45-day period between submission and approval. With additional TIDS in the city, Rindy also believes that this program could serve as a pilot program for other parts of the city.

Main Street Monroe, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that handles community development, including events and small business support, in downtown Monroe. It celebrated its 20th anniversary this past fall. The city of Monroe recently completed its 2025-2045 Comprehensive plan outlining a long-term vision for sustainable growth, downtown vitality, housing, and economic development.

Anyone interested in applying or learning more should contact Nordby at 608-328-4023 or monroemainstreet@tds.net.