Heritage District: A touch of new for the old

Maricopa is offering a face-lift to homes and businesses in the Heritage District.

“The program’s mission is to stimulate and revitalize pride,” said Micah Miranda, the city’s economic development director. “When you have more desirable-looking buildings, when you’re able to attract more higher-level tenants, you’re able to keep sales tax from moving out of the city.” 

The 3.1-square-mile section of land, homes and businesses is one of the oldest parts of the city, with some residents living there for decades.
Prior to the city’s incorporation in 2003, it was where most of the town’s shops were located.

Many of the buildings, however, have begun to show their age and the relatively young city has designated the eclectic grouping of buildings and lots a redevelopment area. 

It was officially named the Heritage District – with a corresponding mission and vision statement – in August 2010. 

As part of the redevelopment process, the Maricopa City Council approved a $50,000 grant to fund the façade-improvement program this summer. 

To supplement that amount, the city applied for an $85,000 Gila River Indian Community grant; a decision on that request is expected in October, Miranda said. 

Joe Hoover, chairman of the Heritage District citizen advisory committee, said the group decided on the façade program specifically because “it was something we thought would benefit the residents as well as business owners.”

“There are more residences than businesses that may need it and want to take advantage of it,” Hoover said. But, “for some of the businesses on John Wayne Parkway that may be interested in it, I think they’ll be excited about it.” 

Although there are no zoning or building rules per se in the district, Hoover said “our goal in the committee is to maintain the historical look of the area.”

“We kind of want to keep that Old West feeling,” he said.

Applicants will need to match some of the funds for projects. 

For commercial properties, the project must cost a minimum of $1,000 and the applicant must match up to 50 percent of the cost of the project or any amount after the $20,000 maximum reimbursement offered by the city. 

Residential-property projects must cost at least $250; the applicant is not required to match any funds up to $1,000. After that, applicants must match up to 50 percent or the amount less than the maximum reimbursement rate of $5,000. 

Qualifying improvements include painting the exterior of a residence or business, installing or improving signage, landscaping, adding awnings, adding or repairing door and window improvements and adding patio space.

Buildings newer than 5 years old, parking-lot repair or installation, interior repairs and new buildings do not qualify for funding.