City Center Vacant Storefront Incentive Program

The City of Hagerstown has developed an incentive program to create business occupancy space by revitalizing vacant storefronts in the Downtown City-Center Mixed-Use (CC-MU)Zoning District, part of the City's Sustainable Communities Area. The program aims to bring first-floor commercial spaces up to current code standards and support revitalization projects that will decrease blight, preserve structures, and generate employment opportunities.

City Center Vacant Storefront Incentive Program Guidelines and Application

Guidelines

Grants awarded under the City Center Vacant Storefront Incentive Program have no minimum amount, but a maximum of $50,000. A cross-department Review Committee will use the following criteria in determining grant eligibility:

  • Economic Impact of the Project,
  • Proximity to Public Square (Priority to Main Street),
  • Renovation Budget,
  • Square Feet Being Revitalized,
  • Condition of the Building/Rectifying of Code Violations,
  • Length of Prior Vacancy.

Application Process and Requirements:

  • A development plan, which outlines the renovation schedule and major components of the project, shall accompany the application form.
  • Applications approved by the Review Committee will receive a Letter of Commitment from the City of Hagerstown which may be used to assist in financing the project.
  • Funds will only be disbursed after staff have verified all work in the Application and Development Plan has been completed to Code, including all required site inspection approvals, and final receipts have been provided.
  • All projects shall comply with federal, State and local codes, laws and ordinances.
  • All upgrades must be performed to City Code, and will be regulated through the City's Planning and Code Administration Department.

Please direct questions to:
Department of Community & Economic Development
City of Hagerstown
14 N. Potomac, Suite 200A,
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301-739-8577 ext 111
Email: dced@hagerstownmd.org