Downtown Danbury Restaurant to Start Major Renovation Thanks to Facade Grant Program

Empire of the Incas (241 Main Street) has qualified for a $10,000 grant to revitalize their building.

By utilizing the sidewalk, renovations will include new multi-panel sliding glass doors to expose the inside of the restaurant to Main Street passerbys. “This concept creates an inviting feel and brings excitement and innovation to our downtown,” states Roger Palanzo, Director of Business Advocacy for the City of Danbury. “We hope this will inspire other downtown property owners and tenants to consider similar improvement projects.”

In March of 2019, Mayor Boughton and the City of Danbury launched a Façade Improvement Grant Program in the Downtown Revitalization Zone (DRZ) in order to incentivize and bolster the private development already occurring in the city center. The application process involves careful review by CityCenter Danbury’s Architectural Advisory Committee and the City’s Planning and Zoning Department. The committee prioritizes projects that contribute to the revitalization of our downtown district and restoration of our historic resources.

The maximum amount of any grant is $10,000.00 (with a maximum of $50,000.00 per property) or 50% of the total façade improvement costs, whichever is less. The reimbursement grants are on a first-come basis. The façade grant budget was previously funded through the Capital Improvement Program. Any business in the city center is encouraged to apply.

The application and Program Guidelines for the Façade Grant Program is available on the City of Danbury website: https://www.danbury-ct.gov/facadegrantprogram2019.

*Image courtesy Empire of the Incas Facebook Page