Façade grant program discontinued

A program established in 2021 to preserve and enhance the aesthetic appeal of properties in downtown Weatherford has been discontinued. 

The Weatherford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to cancel the Façade Improvement Grant Program after it “achieved its goal.”

Assistant City Manager Chad Marbut explained that the funds were an economic development tool for what is known as the Central Business District (CBD) and that over the life of the program, 27 grants were approved, totaling $655,000. 

“Private reinvestment is now occurring organically without grant incentives and the program has achieved its goal,” Marbut said.

He explained that council directed staff in April to honor the pending applications in the order received up to the $33,000 of remaining funds and to consider discontinuing the program when completed. 

“The [fiscal year 2026] budget for this program was $200,000 – seven grants total were awarded for a total of $191,000, leaving $9,000 remaining,” Marbut said. “Staff will return in the future with what to do with those remaining funds.”

Prior to the vote, resident Jackie Fowler addressed council and said that he had the privilege of working on several of the downtown buildings and thought the program was “vital” and should be kept. 

“I think it would beautify the area, especially on York Avenue, and to get the same seamless look there that is needed,” he said. “There are some things that need to be readjusted to make it more fair to everyone…and it does help to initiate the project.”

Mayor Paul Paschall said that when the program was developed, it was intended to be seasonal and to be a stimulant for people to reinvest in properties they already own.

“My personal position on this is every time we awarded façade grants, we’ve had a lot more angry people than we’ve had thank yous,” he said. “We have altered the rules and the guidelines several times and this has come down to no good deed goes uncriticized.”

He added that the city has invested a “immense” amount of money in the Central Business District between the façade program and redoing three of the four quadrants and that he would be more inclined to terminate the program. 

“Let’s see what investors in downtown do with their own dollars,” he said. “There are other areas in the city that could use funds and we need to discuss that as a council.”

The motion to cease the program was approved unanimously. 

Council then approved an amendment for additional professional services totaling $18,600 for the Front Street drainage improvements after the Texas Historical Commission (THC) requested additional information. 

Matt Leppla, Director of Public Works, said the THC permit is approved but the agency is requiring additional field survey work due to the proximity of a nearby cemetery and historical mapping. He added that the overall timeline for completion won’t be affected. 

The amendment passed unanimously. 

Council also:

• approved listing 119 Palo Pinto Street (known as Old City Hall) and 221 N. Main Street for sale in hopes of finding someone who wants to protect and restore the historic aspects of downtown; and
• read a proclamation declaring June 2026 Fidelity Month in Weatherford. Member Matt Ticzkus shared that it was “important” to recommit ourselves to be a beacon of hope for others.