New Facade Grant Program launches

By Lauren Jessie

The City of North Myrtle Beach is launching a new Façade Grant Program to help enhance the appearance of select commercial corridors and support local businesses through financial partnerships for building improvements.

The program is designed to encourage property and business owners to invest in the front-facing exteriors of commercial buildings along designated Activity Center Corridors, helping to strengthen North Myrtle Beach’s coastal streetscape and overall sense of place.

Through the program, the City will offer dollar-for-dollar matching grants, up to $25,000 per applicant, for approved façade improvements. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis once work is completed and paid receipts are submitted.

Eligible buildings must front or face: Sea Mountain Highway, Main Street, 17th Avenue South or 37th Avenue South.

To qualify, the property must primarily serve retail, food or beverage establishments, art or performance studios, or professional/medical offices. Mixed-use buildings may also be eligible if the non-residential use occupies at least 70 percent of the street-facing frontage.

Eligible Improvements —

New façade materials such as brick, stone, stucco, or wood.

Architectural enhancements like awnings, cornices, columns, or window casings.

Code-compliant windows, doors, shutters and exterior lighting.

Painting with an approved color palette.

Integrated signage, decorative accents, or façade-mounted canopies.

Permanent design features such as murals, built-in seating, or green wall systems.

Ineligible Improvements —

Unfinished or bare materials.

Synthetic stucco.

Vinyl siding or trim.

Electronic message board signage.

HVAC upgrades.

Roof repairs.

All applications must be pre-approved by the Award Committee and all work must be completed and reimbursement requests submitted by the third Monday in May of each fiscal year. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a building permit application by the first Thursday in October, including renderings, drawings and photographs of the proposed improvements.

“The Façade Grant Program is an exciting opportunity for the city to partner with local businesses and property owners in shaping the look and feel of our most visible commercial corridors,” said Suzanne Pritchard, Assistant Director of Planning and Development. “These improvements will enhance the character of our community, support our businesses and create a more vibrant experience for residents and visitors.”

For more information, visit: https://www.nmb.us/829/Facade-Grant-Program.

For questions, contact the City of North Myrtle Beach Planning and Development Department at 843-280-5560.