Downtown Development Programs

The City of Paducah has created an effective and exciting toolbox of programs through the Planning Department to encourage development, beautification, rehabilitation, and stabilization of the Historic Downtown Commercial District.  Our goal is to encourage vibrant streets, increased residential density, and thriving businesses. The programs are as follows:

  • Artist Setup Area Application
  • Downtown & Market House District Assessment and Reassessment Tax Moratorium
  • Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program
  • Micro-Grants: Facade and Beautification
  • Roof Stabilization Assistance Program
  • Upper Story Residential Grant Program

Assistance also is provided in completing state and federal applications for historic tax credits.

Any person interested in obtaining assistance should contact Melinda Winchester, Downtown Development Specialist at 270-444-8690.

In this Paducah View episode, learn about the downtown programs. 

Paducah View (episode 30) - Downtown Programs

Program Details

Artist Setup Area Application

Through this application, artists can set up to sell or demonstrate their artwork.  The areas that artists can use are the downtown gazebo at 2nd and Broadway and the Texaco Station Information Center at the corner of North 7th and Madison Streets.

Note:  Please allow at least 24-48 hours for the processing of the application.

Artist Setup Area Application (Word) >>
Artist Setup Area Application (PDF) >>

Downtown & Market House District Assessment and Reassessment Tax Moratorium

The Downtown & Market House Historic District Assessment and Reassessment Tax Moratorium encourages the repair, rehabilitation, or stabilization of existing properties in the district that are at least 50 years old by providing a program in which the property tax paid to the city would be frozen at the pre-renovation assessment for five years. 

For a property to be eligible for this moratorium, it must receive more than $75,000 worth of improvements.  This moratorium does not affect the amount of tax paid to the City school system or to McCracken County.  To be eligible for the program, an application must be filed with the Planning Department prior to the renovations to the building.  After the application is submitted, the Property Valuation Administration (PVA) would assess the property.  Then, the property owner has two years to complete the renovations unless granted an extension.  Once the renovations are complete and reviewed by the Planning Department, then the moratorium certificate will be issued granting five years of City property taxes at the pre-renovation assessment. 

Downtown & Market House Historic District Assessment and Reassessment Tax Moratorium Ordinance >>

Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program

The purpose of the Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program is to provide for the creation of new businesses within Historic Downtown Paducah.  The redevelopment of buildings is crucial to maintaining an economically strong Downtown Commercial District, a commercial area where the image, appearance, and environment encourage the attraction of shoppers. The intention is to provide financial resources to assist new business owners locating to Historic Downtown Paducah.

  • For business utilizing less than 1,000 square feet: 100 percent reimbursement for eligible costs of the first $5,000.00. The New Business Program provides for 50 percent reimbursement of eligible costs between $5,001.00 and $10,000.00.
  • For business utilizing 1,000 square feet or more: 100 percent reimbursement for eligible costs of the first $7,500.00. The New Business Program provides for 50 percent reimbursement of eligible costs between $7,501.00 and $15,000.00.

Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program Application >>

Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program Ordinance >>

Micro-Grants

  1. Beautification Grant - Businesses can receive a match of up to $100 for eligible beautification projects including painting, lighting, or the addition of flowers or art.  Beautification Micro-Grant Application >>
  2. Facade Grant - This financial incentive to Paducah Main Street merchants and property owners in the project area helps them improve their buildings while retaining the historic character of the district. Only commerical properties are eligible.  The City will match eligible improvements to the exterior of a property up to 50% of the total project costs. Grant amount is not to exceed $1,000. Total grant funds available will be limited to $8,000 per fiscal year.  Façade Grants will be available year-round and will be awarded monthly as funds are available.  Completed applications must be submitted to and approved by the Paducah Main Street Design Committee prior to work beginning. Grants are not awarded for work done prior to approval.  Work must be completed within 180 days of grant award.  Once the project is completed, grantees must submit paid receipts for reimbursement. Paducah Main Street will verify that the work was done according to the approved application before reimbursing funds. Reimbursements will be made within 14 days of the submission of approved receipts.  A facade is defined as an individual storefront or side of a building that faces a public street or public alley with public access.  Separate addresses within a single building may qualify as separate facades.  Facade Micro-Grant Application >>

Facade Grant Eligible Improvements

  1. Masonry or mortar joint repair
  2. Window or door repair/replacement
  3. Repair of purchase of new awnings
  4. Transom and window repair/replacement
  5. Removal of non-historic materials (e.g. siding that covers transom windows, bricked-over window or door openings, removing paint from brick, etc.)
  6. Replacement of architectural details
  7. Exterior painting (except for applying paint to unpainted brick)
  8. Exterior lighting or interior storefront window display lighting that remains on during evening hours
  9. Other improvements may qualify on a case-by-case basis

Roof Stabilization Assistance Program (RSAP)

Funds are allotted each budget cycle for the stabilization and replacement of roofs in the Historic Downtown area.  At specified times during the fiscal year, the City of Paducah requests applications for the purpose of roof replacement or roof stabilization in the Roof Stabilization Project Area.

Roof Stabilization AreaTo qualify for assistance under the Roof Stabilization Assistance Program (RSAP), an applicant shall submit a complete application; three bids from the list of qualified contractors; current photographs; and proof of financial ability from a qualified financial institution.  The City of Paducah reserves the right to approve or deny any application.  Grant awards will be given based on availability of funds.

Applications will be ranked in accordance with the following criteria:

  1. Urgency of roof stabilization.   25%
  2. Contributing structure on the National Register of Historic Places.  25%
  3. Historic relationship to adjacent structures     25%
  4. Capital commitment of owner to rehabilitate remaining structure.    25%

Roof Stabilization Assistance Program Application >>

Roof Stabilization Assistance Program Ordinance >>

List of Qualified Roofing Contractors >>

Roofing Guarantee and Warranty for Repair >>

Upper Story Residential Grant Program

The Upper Story Residential Grant Program is designed to encourage upper story residential rental units in Paducah's Historic Downtown.  Property owners/developers within a defined area in historic downtown will be eligible to apply for financial assistance to create new upper story living spaces in new or existing buildings.  The grant shall not exceed 20 percent of the construction costs or a maximum of $15,000 per Upper Story Residential Rental Unit.  For a residential owner-occupied unit, the grant is either 15 percent of the construction costs or a maximum of $15,000 per unit.  

This program is through the City of Paducah Planning Department with the Urban Renewal & Community Development Agency (URCDA) overseeing the allocation of funds up to $60,000.  For projects that exceed an allocation of $60,000, the project will be forwarded to the City Commission for approval. 

To apply for the Upper Story Residential Grant Program, complete an application and submit the following items:

  • A current list of owners/partners or officers/directors who have ownership in the property
  • Copy of property deed
  • Copy of insurance policy
  • Third party estimates of work to be done from a qualified contractor
  • Proof of financial ability to complete 100% of the Upper Story Residential Project
  • Rehabilitation plans 

Upper Story Residential Grant Program Application >>