Loan & Grant Programs

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program allows Whittier to allocate funds to help the community reinvest in their properties. Currently, the Alliance offers low-interest loans to help with renovations, as well as a facade improvement grant offering matching funds for facade improvements along Nicollet and Lyndale.

There are three loan programs for properties in the Whittier neighborhood that the Whittier Alliance helps to administer.

Home Improvement Loan

The Home Improvement Loan program provides low interest loans of 4% of $1000 to $25,000 for exterior improvements to owner-occupied single family homes, and owner-occupied rental properties of up to four units. Properties must be located in the Whittier Neighborhood.

The eligible repair guidelines were updated in 2007 and can be found here: Single-Family Home Improvement Loan Guidelines

Applications will be reviewed and handled by the CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (CEE). For general information, call the Whittier Alliance at 612-871-7756, otherwise visit CEE's website to learn more about the process of obtaining the loan and who at CEE to contact.

3-R Loan Program (Rental Rehabilitation & Renewal Loan Program)

The purpose of the Rental Rehabilitation and Renewal Loan Program (3-R Program) is to provide financial assistance to owners of residential rental property in the Whittier neighborhood to complete property improvements. The 3-R Program should be used especially by owners who wish to use rehabilitation as part of an effort to increase the long term value and curb appeal of their property, and prevent erosion of neighborhood housing stock. The 3-R Program is a community building effort of the Whittier Alliance and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). This program is designed to supplement existing loan programs available from Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED), Multi-Housing Finance Assistance (MHFA), Center for Energy and Environment CEE, private lenders and other housing resources. It is not intended to be the sole source of rehab funds available to the neighborhood.

The NRP Steering Committee of the Whittier Alliance will appoint a neighborhood rental property owner volunteer to inspect the property to be improved to assure the goals and the purposes of the 3R Loan and neighborhood improvements are being met. The volunteer will consider the amount requested, extent of improvements, extent that improvements address the priority list (see guidelines), existing obligations against the property, demonstrated property management skills, impact that the improvements will have on the greater neighborhood, extent that rehabilitation removes blight, and "projected" costs savings resulting from rehabilitation. Financial evaluations, the repayment ability and credit worthiness of the applicant will be determined and approved by CEE.

All loans will be administered and originated by Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), the designated Participating Lender. All loan balances are due and payable upon sale of property or upon any default on payments. The 3R Program shall continue until all NRP funds dedicated to this Program are exhausted. If the available pool of loan funds falls below $100,000 the lender with consultation and permission from the Whittier NRP Steering Committee, can limit the amount of loan funds released.

Eligible Improvements
  • Improvements that correct City of Minneapolis Housing Maintenance Code deficiencies.
  • Improvements that correct other substandard conditions under local and state building, health or safety codes.
  • Improvements to the exterior of the building.
  • Replacements or improvements to roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems.
  • Improvements to increase the energy efficiency of the building.
  • Improvements to increase the safety of the building for residents.
  • Historic preservation work.
  • Interior capital improvements.
  • Improvements for handicap accessibility.
  • Other projects that fit within stated "Purposes" of loan fund, and as approved by the 3-R Program Committee.
  • CEE will refer to the NRP Steering Committee whenever eligibility of an improvement is uncertain. All work must be done to Minneapolis Code standards and building permits must be attained when needed.
Ineligible Expenses
  • Recreational or luxury improvements.
  • Working capital.
  • Appliances.
  • Payment for the property owner's own labor for the performance of rehabilitation.
  • Debt service of any kind.
  • Other expenses as determined by the Loan Committee and/or NRP funding guidelines.
Funding Guidelines: The maximum amount is determined by the number of housing units in the building and if it is an owner-occupied property being improved.
  • Up to $20,000 for a 2 unit owner occupied property.
  • Up to $25,000 for a 3 unit owner occupied property.
  • Up to $30,000 for a 4 unit owner occupied property.
  • Up to $20,000 for a 2 to 4 unit building that is not owner occupied.
  • Up to $3,000 per unit for buildings with 5 units or more.
  • Up to $500.00 per individual room for rooming houses and a maximum of $15,000 for common areas including shared kitchen & baths.

{Note: Exceptions to the dollar limits can be made if the improvements are to meet local or state building, health or safety code requirements or as approved by the 3-R Loan Committee.}

Other requirements apply. For general information, call the Whittier Alliance at 612-871-7756, otherwise visit CEE's website to learn more about the process of obtaining the loan and who at CEE to contact.

2% Commercial Improvement Loan

The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Loan program is to provide low-interest, longer-term loans as an incentive for tenants and owners to upgrade the appearance and maintain the viability of commercial properties and the commercial area as a whole. Any business in the Whittier neighborhood may apply. Applicants may be individual owners, partnerships, tenant operators, corporations, or contract for deed purchasers. The applicant's property must be a conforming use under the City's Zoning Ordinance.

Eligible exterior projects include, but are not limited to: Cleaning, painting and staining of exterior surfaces, Repairing doors, windows and awnings, Sign repair or replacement, Architectural design services, Roofing.

Eligible interior improvements include, but are not limited to: Repair of walls, floors, lighting and windows, Electrical and plumbing improvements.

Ineligible costs include equipment financing and inventory, among others.

Other requirements apply. Please call the Whittier Alliance for more information at 612-871-7756.

Whittier Facade Improvement Grant

Business and commercial property owners along Nicollet and Lyndale may apply for matching grants for a variety of eligible storefront improvements. The grant is made possible by the City of Minneapolis Great Streets program. The Great Streets program aims to help revitalize and sustain neighborhood business districts. Matching grants up to $5,000 per business or storefront are available. Click here for the Facade Improvement Guidelines. Check out the city's Facade Improvement Grant website for more information and examples of successful projects.

In 2007, the Whittier Alliance Business Association contracted U+B Architecture & Design (2524 Nicollet Ave So) to create "virtual facade improvements" for 3 neighborhood businesses. The "before" images are of the existing business storefronts; the "after" images show the virtual effects of facade improvements. The intent is to show the types of improvements than can be made and inspire commercial property owners to improve the look of their business or storefront.
Click here to see the "Virtual Facade Improvement" images.