NRSA Building Rehabilitation Program

The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) program is designed to stimulate interest and commitment of private building owners by providing inducements to encourage the rehabilitation of commercial and industrial buildings throughout the NRSA (PDF).

The building at 410 Waughtown Street is an example of an NRSA rehabilitation project.

Qualifying Area

The qualifying building must be located within the defined boundaries of the NRSA (PDF), but cannot be eligible for the Downtown Building Improvement Rehabilitation Program.

Application Process

Interested property owners present work, write-up, and renderings from licensed contractor or architect to city staff.
Owner and city staff agree to work, write-up, and renderings.
Owner has work completed.
After the project is completed, the owner submits paid receipts to the city staff
for reimbursement.
City staff inspects building for compliance.
Final loan amount determined and loan documents prepared and executed.
Funds are delivered.

Criteria for Project Qualification

Minimum Private Investment

To be eligible for a 50% match, the minimum private investment must be at least $2,500. For private investment less than $2,500, a project is eligible for a loan of 30%.

Maximum Public Investment

Up to 50% of the total project cost or $10,000, if the total private investment is greater than $2,500. Up to 30% of the total project cost if less than $2,500. Only one loan per building is allowed.

Use of Funds

Funds may be used for the following purposes:

Site or facility improvements
Structural improvements
Facade renovation or signage improvements that meet design guidelines for the area (if any).

Loan Repayment

The entire amount of the loan will be deferred for five years. If the building has been maintained for five years, as agreed, the entire balance will be forgiven. If at any time during years 1 through 5, the building no longer conforms to the plan, as agreed, or the property changes ownership, the loan must be repaid. The repayment term is 12 months at a prime plus 1% interest rate.

The IRS has determined that any portion of a loan forgiven may be counted as income to the borrower and be subject to income taxes. Please refer to a tax professional to determine your income tax liability for any loan that is forgiven.

Other Criteria

Exterior Design

"Slip cover" facade coverings must be removed. The cost of removal may be financed in full by Program funds, provided, however, that the total city support will not exceed $10,000.

Use of Upper Floors

Upper floor windows must be re-opened. The cost of window repair or replacement may be financed in full by Program funds provided, however, that the total city support will not exceed $10,000.

Interior Code Compliance

Vacant buildings must be re-opened. The cost of code compliance becomes eligible Program cost for appropriate percentage funding-provided, however, that the total city support will not exceed $10,000.

Non-Conforming Uses

Non-conforming uses are not eligible to participate in this program.

Tenants

Tenants must have the owner's written permission to participate in this program. Subject to the availability of funds.