Building Improvement Grant Program in Indiana

The Town of McCordsville Building Improvement Grant Program is a local initiative administered by the McCordsville Redevelopment Commission in collaboration with the Town Manager and town staff. Its primary goal is to encourage investment and enhance the appearance of commercial buildings within McCordsville’s corporate limits. The program aims to preserve, rehabilitate, and restore commercial structures by providing financial support for building and site improvements that align with the town’s architectural character and economic development objectives. The program specifically seeks to support the economic health of McCordsville by creating an attractive commercial environment that encourages new businesses and consumers. By subsidizing the cost of improvements to existing storefronts, buildings, and select infrastructure, the grant aims to promote a pleasing and cohesive appearance throughout the commercial areas. This includes both small- and large-scale projects that contribute to the town’s overall development and sense of place. To qualify, properties must be within the designated boundaries of McCordsville and used primarily for commercial purposes such as retail, services, restaurants, cultural venues, galleries, or professional offices, including nonprofits. Applicants and properties must not have any delinquent property taxes, town liens, outstanding code compliance issues, or unpaid fines. Properties outside the TIF area but benefiting or serving the TIF may also be eligible and are encouraged to contact the Town for clarification. The program excludes government-owned properties but allows nonprofit organizations to apply, with priority given to privately owned commercial or mixed-use buildings. Two levels of grants are available: the Small to Mid-Size Projects Grant, which reimburses 75% of approved project costs up to $1,000, and the Large Projects Grant, which reimburses 50% of costs up to $5,000 (with a $10,000 maximum total project cost). All work must comply with local and state codes. For large projects, applicants must provide two written, itemized cost estimates for eligible improvements. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as funds allow, and each building may only receive funding once per year. The application process includes a required pre-application meeting with the Program Administrator, submission of a detailed application with supporting documentation (photos, project plans, material samples, evidence of paid taxes, and itemized bids), and an in-person or virtual presentation to the Redevelopment Commission. The timeline includes application review, design evaluation, award notification within 30 days of the application deadline (the 15th of each month), project agreement signing, commencement of work within 60 days, completion within 6–12 months (extensions possible for hardship), inspection, and final reimbursement after submission of “after” photos and proof of payment. Contact information for the Program Administrator is as follows: Town Manager, building@mccordsville.org, (317) 335-3151. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to the McCordsville Redevelopment Commission, Town Hall, c/o Town Manager, 6280 W 800 N, McCordsville, IN 46055. The program remains open and accepts applications throughout the year until all funds are distributed. Eligible expenses include exterior improvements such as awnings, lighting, hardscapes, landscaping, infrastructure upgrades, doors and windows, exterior wall finishes, cornices, decorative details, site improvements, and structural reinforcement related to the façade or roof. Ineligible expenses include inappropriate materials (like aluminum or vinyl siding), interior work, unrelated electrical or security systems, personal property, permits or fees, work completed prior to approval, and building additions. Applications must include all required information and documentation as outlined in the grant checklist, and all projects are subject to review and approval by the Redevelopment Commission. Recipients must also agree to maintain the improvements for two years and display signage acknowledging grant support during and after project completion for a specified period.