A facade is the face of a building, especially the principal front that looks onto a street or open space.

Communities implement a facade program to help create a more dynamic atmosphere for customers by assisting businesses/owners in revitalizing their building storefronts. This type of program enhances the appearance of a shopping district and helps attract new customers. It also acts as a tool to attract new businesses while assisting existing businesses to improve their storefront, adding artistic features associated with their brand, increasing store appeal, and adding value to the shopping experience. Visually appealing storefronts contribute positively to the streetscape and help create a more walkable atmosphere for customers to enjoy.

Any property or business owner whose property lies within the Ruidoso Mainstreet district is eligible for the program. The funds can be used to upgrade and rehabilitate the exterior facade of their buildings. Tenants may apply for assistance with the consent of the property owners. This is a reimbursement grant; therefore, only after a project is paid for will the grant money be given. All work must take place after the application is approved for an award. Proof of payment must be shown to receive a reimbursement. Financial assistance will only be available to those projects meeting eligibility requirements, and preference will be given to projects that can be completed on time and make the most visual impact

Eligible items include:

Design Assistance

Signage

Awnings And Canopies

Storefront Facades

Exterior Paint Programs

Maintenance Projects

Building Entrances

Demolition

Doors

Windows

Brick, Stone, Tuckpointing Wood, or Other Building Surfaces Material

Interior renovations and improvements

Sidewalks and paving

Acquisition of property

Roofs

Portions of the building not viewable from the street

The Village of Ruidoso received $230,000 from the State of New Mexico for this program. All projects must be reviewed and approved by the Facade Improvement Committee. Participants must expend private funds and will be reimbursed for qualified expenditures up to, but not exceeding, 75% of eligible expenditures up to $40,000. Facade projects must be completed by April 30, 2023, or the grant funds will be forfeited back to the Village of Ruidoso.

Eligible property and business owners may apply for grant assistance of up to 75% of the cost of improvements, not to exceed $40,000. The goal is to stimulate private investment in the facade and other improvements in the Main Street target area. Total reimbursement per applicant will not exceed 75% of the total project cost.

Yes, it does. It must fall within the boundaries of the MainStreet district map.

Program applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the criteria listed below. Proposed improvements that meet the following criteria will be most competitive for grant funding.

The level of private investment utilized for the renovation. Applicants providing more than a 25% match will receive higher priority.

The potential impact the project will have on the surrounding area (visual prominence/significance)  

The building's level of blight

Enhances prominent business locations

Fills a previously vacant storefront

Rehabilitates or replaces historic features

Please note that all facade projects must be completed by April 30, 2023, or the grant funds will be forfeited back to the Village of Ruidoso.

Application submissions are due on or before December 2, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time Zone.

Award recipients will be announced on December 21, 2022. Grant applicants will be notified via email of their application status. If a mailing address has been provided by the applicant, the committee decision will also be mailed.

Any changes made to the final Scope of Work (SOW) after the application is approved and the final SOW delivered must be reviewed and approved in writing by the committee. For example, changes to a paint or awning color, sign or architectural design, material choices, etc.). Any change to the final SOW not approved in advance and in writing by the Program Committee will not be funded

Applicants awarded a grant will receive the following documents as part of the notification process:

• Final Scope of Work: A final Scope of Work (SOW) summarizing the approved improvements will be provided. If the application was approved with conditions, the SOW will reflect those conditions/changes. The final SOW will be attached to and made a part of the application.

• Project Completion: Grantee must complete the project in substantial conformance with the final SOW. All facade projects must be completed by April 30, 2023, or the grant funds will be forfeited back to the Village of Ruidoso.

• Project Changes: Any changes made to the final SOW after the application is approved and the final SOW delivered must be reviewed and approved in writing by the committee. For example, changes to a paint or awning color, sign or architectural design, material choices, etc. Any change to the final SOW not approved in advance and in writing by the Program Committee will not be funded

All facade projects that are receiving funding must be complete by April 30, 2023, or the grant funds will be forfeited back to the Village of Ruidoso.

Yes, online applications are the preferred submission format. If you don’t see the application form embedded in the webpage below, you can access it directly at this link.

A valid business license number and the following document files will be required as part of this application process.

Applicant Identification (a state-issued Driver’s License (DL) and Identification (ID) cards)

Property owner identification if it is different from the applicant.

Proof of property ownership and/or leasehold interest.

A detailed written summary of proposed facade improvements.

A full set of "before" photos of the proposed project.

A design plan drawing of proposed improvements.

Yes. Applicants can save their responses to their form and return to complete the submissions later.

Users can also print and obtain a hard copy of the data they fill into the form before clicking on the submit button with a print button.

Once you submit your online application, you will not be able to make any changes to it. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application. If for some reason you do not receive confirmation, or you have questions, contact Samantha Serna, Community Development Director at 575-258-6669 by email at SamanthaSerna@ruidoso-nm.gov

Yes, absolutely. Here’s a link to the program Guidelines and Application Form PDF. Upon completion, you can drop it off in person at the front counter in Village Hall located at 313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso 88345. Or, mail it to the same address. Just be sure to allow enough time for it to arrive by the December 2, 2022, submission deadline.