TIFFIN, Ohio — The City of Tiffin will continue its Façade Enhancement Program in 2026, maintaining a long-running reimbursement grant initiative that supports exterior improvements to residential and commercial buildings in the downtown historic district.
Established in 2014, the program provides a 50 percent matching grant for eligible projects, with each building able to receive up to $10,000 per calendar year. Since its launch, the program has approved 150 projects and contributed to more than $4 million in total downtown investment.
The program remained active in 2025, approving 15 building projects that represented more than $298,000 in investment. For 2026, the city has allocated $100,000 to continue the effort, and applications are now open.
Eligible improvements include visible exterior enhancements to front façades, such as awnings, masonry work, painting, roofing repairs or replacement, restoration or replacement of exterior windows and doors, fire escapes, upper-floor exterior access, and other approved improvements. All proposed work must receive approval from the Architectural Board of Review.
“The Façade Enhancement Program continues to be an important investment in the strength and character of our community,” Mayor Lee Wilkinson said. “It helps to incentivize private investment that results in visible, lasting improvements that benefit the entire community.”
Detailed project requirements and the full application process are available through the city’s Architectural Board of Review. Contractors participating in the program must be licensed with the City of Tiffin, with licensing information available through the city’s administration department.
For questions related to Downtown Tiffin, contact Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager Donna Gross at dgross@oneseneca.org.
