Program Information
Artist Relocation Incentives:
- Lowertown is dual zoned for commercial and residential use. This enables
residents to have gallery/studio, restaurant/ café, etc. and living space
all under one roof.
- 100% financing for purchase and rehabilitation of an existing structure
or the building of a brand new structure.
- Free lots for new construction as available.
- City will pay up to $2500 for architectural services or other professional
fees.
- National marketing of Lowertown Arts District and Paducah.
Proposal Requirements (Applies to PRA-owned buildings and lots)
At a minimum, each proposal should provide the following items in detail following a logical format.
- A $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Purchase price offer for property.
- Intended use of the property complete with any necessary documentation such as business plan, resume, portfolio, etc.
- Detailed rehab plans in which all changes and improvements necessary meet code requirements as well as provide for the intended use. Please note that Historic Design Guidelines must be adhered to as well.
- Detailed illustrations of floor plans and use of space.
- Front, side and rear elevations of exterior facades including any significant architectural details. Drawings/Renderings must be large, clear, and detailed.
- Firm third party professional (engineer, architect, knowledgeable & experienced contractor[s]) estimate of the entire costs for rehab. Estimate should be broken down by cost centers and include a total. At least two estimates are recommended.
- Estimated firm timeline indicating the duration of the project from start to finish. We require start time for projects to take place within 60 - 90 days of deed transfer and completion of project to be within 24 months.
- Proof of financial ability to complete the project in an amount matching the estimated costs. Proof must be in the form of a letter of credit, loan commitment, proof of cash on hand, or some other proof of financial ability acceptable to the Paducah Renaissance. Grants or special financing must be listed, but cannot count toward financial ability unless a copy of the award notice or other acceptable guarantee is provided.
- Priority for start to finish projects, which address the entire structure(s).
- Priority for owner occupied properties.
- Priority for uses which contribute to the Arts District or which otherwise serve the highest and best use of the property in the opinion of the board.
- Priority for proposals that retain and incorporate the significant exterior and interior architectural features of the property.
- Proposal must be delivered sealed.
Mail proposals to:
Paducah Renaissance
PO Box 809
Paducah, Kentucky 42002
Or hand deliver to 605 Broadway, Paducah, Kentucky
Note: The Paducah Renaissance Alliance retains the right to deny any application for any reason.
Proposal Process:
1) Selection - Once you have selected a property, complete the proposal guidelines. A Paducah Renaissance Alliance (PRA) staff person will be able to walk you through these and answer any of your questions. Please call 270.444.8649 or email mbilak@ci.paducah.ky.us
2) Completed proposals should be delivered in a sealed envelope to the PRA office.
3) Upon receipt of a sealed proposal, the property will be advertised for seven days with and a notice published in the Paducah Sun that states the property is available for proposals. During this seven-day period, other interested parties may submit a competing proposal. After seven days from initial advertisement, a meeting to review proposals will be advertised for another seven days at which point all proposals are reviewed. At this meeting, each applicant will have the opportunity to present their case concerning the property and the committee members can ask questions.
4) The committee (composed of representatives from our Economic Restructuring and Design Teams) will then go into closed session to determine transfer of property. Generally, the committee will make a decision on property transfers at the meeting, however they have the option to table discussion, ask for alterations to the proposal or deny any transfers.
5) Once an applicant is selected, deed transfer will ensue. Any violation of the terms of the proposal may result in forfeiture of the property along with any improvements made. This is to ensure project completion and to protect taxpayer’s investment in the project and the neighborhood.
6) Once the applicant has controlling interest in a property, the next step is the design review process. Any new construction or a change in the exterior appearance requires approval from the Historic & Architectural Review Commission (HARC) as the LowerTown neighborhood is a designated Historic District. Applicant must contact the HARC Coordinator with the City of Paducah Planning Department with at 270-444-8640.
7) Once you are ready for construction, you may obtain your building permit by submitting plans to the City of Paducah Department of Inspection.
Questions to Consider:
1) Are you looking for live/work space, retail space or strictly residential? Note: All of LowerTown is zoned both residential and commercial.
2) Have you met with a lending institution to determine your project budget? Note: LowerTown is located within an Historic District and Historic Review of all building plans is necessary. Typically new construction (2008-09 figures) will run approximately $125 per square foot and rehabilitation can run $10-$25 more depending upon the condition of the building.
3) If you will be opening a business, do you have a business plan drafted? Note: Our inspections department can assist you with building specifications necessary for various types of businesses.
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