Downtown & Gateway Improvement Program

The City of Sycamore aims to create and sustain the vibrant and welcoming appearance of its downtown business district and gateway areas, including the preservation of its historic architecture and charm.  The Downtown & Gateway Improvement Program is a matching grant program administered by the City of Sycamore to encourage the rehabilitation and restoration of the exterior of buildings in these areas.

Eligible projects must be located within the Central Business District as defined by the Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 5, Section 5.1.1.G.), or gateway areas as defined by commercial properties fronting IL Route 64 from Airport Road to Peace Road and along Route 23 from IL Route 64 to the Kishwaukee River.

Approved projects are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $5,000. Funds are awarded in the form of a check to the grantee after the approved project has been completed. Projects must be completed within six months and no later than the end of the calendar year in which they were approved.

For detailed program information, additional eligibility requirements, and the program application, please review the Sycamore Downtown & Gateway Improvement Program Packet (PDF).

I'd like to apply — what are my next steps?

Once you've reviewed the Program Packet, please reach out to program contact Katie Banasiak by phone or email to confirm eligibility, discuss your project, and clarify any outstanding details.

Completed applications and all required supporting documents should be submitted in hard-copy form to:

Submitted projects deemed eligible will be brought forward to Council for consideration at the next available City Council meeting (1st and 3rd Mondays of every month). The City will contact applicants to notify of a favorable or unfavorable vote within (2) business days.  Work performed prior to City Council approval will not be eligible, and funding will not be awarded retroactively to projects that have already been completed.

To determine a grantee's tax status, a completed IRS Form W-9 (PDF) will be required prior to payment of grant funds.  Please consult a tax professional for any tax advice.