warren ave
Economic Development Department

Warren Ave Transformation Project

The City of Dearborn Economic Development Department and the Warren Business District Improvement Authority (WBDIA) are establishing a corridor-wide facade improvement program for its entire area of operations using available CDBG resources. Through this program, businesses will be able to improve their exterior appearance in order to raise the quality of life through job creation and retention, blight prevention, and an increase in amenities that promote a livable and walkable community.

The district is also preparing to undergo roadway and infrastructure improvements using funds awarded to the City by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from the Safe Streets for All grant program.

 About the WBDIA

Warren Facade Improvement Program

The City of Dearborn Economic Development Department and Warren Avenue Business District Improvement Authority (WBDIA) will begin accepting business applications for the Warren Avenue Facade Improvement Program (WFIP) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. 

 

 

The initiative awards up to $200,000 in grant funding to selected businesses located along the business corridor between Lonyo Ave and Greenfield Rd to improve the exterior facade of their property. 

 

 

Funding will be awarded annually, with rolling application windows. Applications received by Jan. 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. will be considered for the first round of funding. 

Transformation

Program Objectives & Funding

By improving the aesthetics of storefronts, the program strives to benefit businesses, residents, and visitors alike, by accomplishing the following:

Enhance the visual appeal of the commercial corridor
Attract new investment and stimulate economic growth and job creation
Retain existing businesses
Increasing property values and foot traffic
Create a more walkable and liveable community

All grants are funded by federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Grants will be awarded in two categories: Tier 1 and Tier 2. 

 

Funding will be awarded to selected businesses, in part, based on the alignment of their proposal with the Warren Avenue corridor design guidelines recently adopted by the WBDIA. Proposals that demonstrate the most significant impact on the community and the aesthetics of the corridor will be prioritized for selection. 

Warren Avenue Corridor Design Guidelines
Warren Avenue

Tier 1 Grant Requirements & Award Amounts

To qualify, the facade of the building must be LESS than 5,000 sq. ft.
Up to 90% of eligible costs will be covered with a max of $100,000 in grant award dollars.
Applicants must match 10%, including a non-refundable $5,000 down payment.
Warren Avenue

Tier 2 Grant Requirements & Award Amounts

To qualify, the facade of the building must be MORE than 5,000 sq. ft.
Up to 90% of eligible costs will be covered with a max of $200,000 in grant award dollars.
Applicants must match 10%, including a non-refundable $10,000 down payment.
Warren Ave Aerial

Eligibility

To be considered for the program, businesses must meet the following requirements: 

Be located on Warren Ave between Lonyo Ave and Greenfield Rd
Operate a for-profit business with up to 50 employees
Currently maintain a valid Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Dearborn
Be in good standing with the City of Dearborn (neither the property owner or lessee have any active violations)
Be current on all City of Dearborn, Wayne County, and State of Michigan property and income taxes, and all other City accounts.

The following entities are not eligible to apply: 

 

  • - Nonprofit organizations

 

  • - Gun shops, pawn shops, liquor, tobacco stores, and payday loan businesses

 

  • - Cannabis businesses, franchises of national or regional chains, social clubs, and home-based businesses

 

  • - Independent contractors operating multilevel or network marketing businesses (ex: Avon, Mary Kay, 5LINX, Pampered Chef)

 

  • - Independent contractors working on gig platforms (ex: Airbnb, Fiverr, Uber, Lyft, and Instacart)

 

  • - Real estate investment

 

  • - Adult entertainment businesses
WBDIA Map

Application Requirements

Business owners must submit the following when applying to the Warren Facade Improvement Program: 

 

Employment Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number obtained from SAM.gov
Copy of the business owner's driver's license or state ID
Evidence of property ownership or copy of lease AND property, liability, and fire insurance
Current City of Dearborn-issued Certificate of Occupancy

Lessees must also submit the property owner’s documented approval for tenant applicants. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply to the Warren Facade Improvement Program

Funding will be awarded annually, with rolling application windows. Applications received by Jan. 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. will be considered for the first round of funding.

Apply Now

Questions & Office Hours

Questions and concerns may be directed to the City of Dearborn's Economic Development Department.

Phone: 313-943-2150
Email: BusinessServices@Dearborn.gov