Adaptive Reuse Program

• This is a matching grant award with a maximum amount of $10,000 and will not exceed the project amount. The contribution of the applicant is required to match the grant award.
• Documentation of control of building and accepted build-out plans must be approved.
• Businesses may not apply more than once a year per project and may not receive more than $10,000 maximum for all projects combined within the current year.
• Reimbursement is only valid for costs expended the year of the application; expenditures exceeding allowable amount will not be carried forward to the next year.
• Projects must meet the city’s building permit requirements and receive a certificate of occupancy or certification of completion before reimbursement will be made.
• Adaptive Reuse Program Grants are awarded as funding allows. Qualified applications submitted will be scored based on adherence to project criteria and overall positive impact to the business and community.
• The tenant entering the lease must be new to the City of Lakewood and the tenant finish or build-out must be new to the building.

• Complete application online.
• Application requires a project budget with three qualified estimates for improvements.
• Applications without a budget or estimates will not be considered.
• Upon completion of grant project, submit all project-related receipts, invoices and supporting payment documentation to Economic Development staff within 30 days.
• Schedule an on-site project walk-through with staff.
• Await approval and reimbursement, usually 3-4 weeks

Selection will be based on project readiness, project impact on business operations and overall public benefit. Grants are awarded as funding allows.

Business Eligibility

• Building must be at least five years old and vacant for at least a year or more.
• Must be a new project in the City of Lakewood.
• Corridor has a higher vacancy rate, located in blighted area, be in an Enterprise Zone, Opportunity Zone or Urban Urban Renewal area or area has higher calls for service or homelessness.
• Building has challenges to redevelopment.
• Must be a commercially zoned property in the City of Lakewood.
• Business must have all necessary licenses to operate and be in good standing.
• Project must comply with existing zoning.
• Individual centers and multi-tenant centers are eligible.

Project Eligibility

• Property improvements to upgrade the building to operating standards, modernize infrastructure and address upfront costs of rehabilitating dilapidated buildings.
• Examples include but are not limited to: sewer, fire sprinklers, water improvements, stairs, ADA accessibility, electric upgrades, change of occupancy and other upgrades to the building.
• Program will not reimburse for anything that does not stay with the property (wages, operating costs, cash registers, tables, etc.).