Extreme Makeover LivCo Edition:
Helping Businesses Renovate + Transform
Grow Liv Co is committed to transformative revitalization that preserves and enhances the charm and character of the communities in Livingston County. Extreme Makeover: Liv Co Edition provides matching grant funds to help transform commercial and mixed-use buildings that are key to local revitalization efforts. These renovations will attract new visitors and boost the quality of life in the region by creating unique spaces for new and expanding businesses. Livingston County is looking for projects that will create a draw and help drive visitor traffic.
Projects in existing commercial districts that help establish or expand business are encouraged. Stand-alone projects located in more rural areas of Livingston County will be considered if the applicant can exhibit how their project will help drive visitor traffic. Eligible activities include facade restoration and preparing commercial space for tenants. When ancillary to commercial renovations, projects can also include residential improvements, site work, and professional service expenses.
Eligible Activities
All projects must be located in Livingston County, NY.
If project funding is awarded, the final scope of work must be approved by the Livingston County Economic Development Office before construction can begin. Projects must produce a finished commercial space with a certificate of occupancy. A phased approach is appropriate for large buildings where work is completed on part of a building, leaving another part unfinished provided that the project can be completed in compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances, and the unfinished space does not have a negative visual impact on the building façade.
For projects that propose to rehabilitate a building’s facade only, there must be no outstanding code violations or health and safety issues and the commercial space must have a certificate of occupancy.
Facade Restoration
Preparing Commercial Space for Tenants
Site Work
(Ancillary to Commercial Renovations)
Residential Improvements
(Ancillary to Commercial Renovations)
Projects located in a designated downtown district must comply with the Livingston County Downtown Design Guidelines to ensure compatibility with the existing Main Street, helping to create a uniform and coordinated streetscape that is attractive and functional.
Project selection criteria will afford priority to projects that:
Are visually prominent in an established commercial district
Have historic value or historic properties in danger of being lost in part or in total to disrepair or damage
Exhibit readiness based on planning and preparedness to undertake the proposed project in a timely manner
Appropriately enhance the visual appeal (inside and out) of buildings/businesses to create a draw
Reduce blight, contribute to the economic recovery of the County, or realize establishment or expansion of a tourism-related business
Eligible Applicants
All applicants must be current on all County, Town, Village and School real property taxes in order to be eligible to participate. Applicants are encouraged to discuss project with Grow LivCo staff prior to applying.
Building Owners
Business Owners
Applications are now closed, please visit our resources pages for information on other funding opportunities.
Awards were announced on October 1, 2021.
Approved projects will receive a written commitment letter detailing any supplemental information needed. No work should begin before awards are announced. Grow LivCo will meet with the applicant to review the proposed project and confirm the approved scope of work and discuss contract requirements including cost estimates, historic preservation, building and façade design, code compliance, health and safety issues, etc.
