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**NEW** Ripon Historic Preservation Commission Grant Program

Ripon Historic Preservation Commission (RHPC) Grant Program

Overview

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission (RHPC) has established a grant program to support targeted historic preservation activities within the Watson Street Historic District. The program is intended to assist property owners in preserving and restoring historically significant architectural features in accordance with the Ripon Historic Downtown Design Manual.

Funding & Award Structure

The RHPC shall establish an annual program budget.

  • Maximum award per project: $2,500
  • Awards may be less than $2,500 based on:
    • Project scope
    • Available funding
    • Number of applications
    • RHPC discretion

Additional conditions:

  • One award per property per calendar year
  • Properties receiving funding are not eligible in consecutive years
  • Grants are reimbursement-based

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed first-come, first-reviewed, subject to available funds.

Eligibility

Location: Property must be located within the Watson Street Historic District.

Applicant: Applicant must be the property owner or have written authorization from the owner.

Compliance: All projects must:

  • Comply with the Ripon Historic Downtown Design Manual
  • Receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) prior to work
  • Obtain all required permits

Eligible Preservation Activities

Eligible projects must focus on preservation, repair, or restoration of historic materials, not replacement with modern alternatives unless approved.

1. Archtop Windows

  • Award is up to $500 per window – Capped at the maximum program award amount
  • Full replacement of archtop windows is eligible
  • Repair and restoration of original archtop window frames, sashes, and glazing
  • Reglazing, weather-stripping, and stabilization of existing materials
  • Reconstruction of missing elements to match historic profiles and dimensions
  • Use of historically appropriate materials (wood, true divided lite, etc.)

2. Tuckpointing (Masonry Restoration)

  • Removal of deteriorated mortar using appropriate, non-damaging methods
  • Repointing using mortar that matches the historic composition, color, and profile
  • Repair of brick or stone masonry associated with historic façades

3. Chemical Building Treatments (Cleaning & Preservation)

  • Gentle cleaning of historic masonry using approved chemical treatments
  • Removal of staining, biological growth, or pollutants using non-abrasive methods
  • Application of breathable sealants or preservation treatments where appropriate
  • Ineligible: Sandblasting or abrasive cleaning methods, and treatments that damage or seal historic materials improperly

General Project Notes

Projects must:

  • Preserve historic character
  • Follow best practices in historic preservation
  • Avoid irreversible alterations

The RHPC reserves the right to determine eligibility based on preservation standards.

Application Requirements

Applications shall be submitted in conjunction with a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Required Materials:

  • Completed RHPC Grant Application Form
  • Project description (scope, materials, methods)
  • Cost estimate(s) and requested funding amount
  • Project timeline
  • Photographs of existing conditions
  • Supporting documentation (contractor quotes, historic references, etc.)

Review & Award Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Preservation Value: Contribution to maintaining or restoring historic features
  • Appropriateness: Consistency with the Design Manual and preservation standards
  • Project Readiness: Clear scope, timeline, and cost documentation
  • Impact: Visibility and potential to serve as a model for other properties

Review Process

  • Applications are reviewed by the RHPC at a regular meeting
  • Applications are considered in the order received
  • The RHPC may request additional information or conduct a site visit
  • Applicant attendance at the meeting is encouraged

Grant Disbursement

  • Grants are reimbursed after project completion
  • Required documentation:
    • Paid invoices and receipts
    • Completed reimbursement form
    • Verification of compliance and inspections

Contact Information

For additional information or assistance: Adam Sonntag, City Administrator, (920)748-4914, asonntag@cityofripon.com
Visit: https://www.cityofripon.com/rhpc

Ripon_Historic_Preservation_Grant_Approved_with_Application_and_Reimbursement_Form.pdf