Rule Auto Care awarded Community Façade Grant

Rule Auto Care, which sits at the corners of Cullen and Washington St., has been awarded the Community Façade Grant from the Jasper County Economic Development Organization. The grant aims to give business owners an incentive to continue to maintain and upgrade their building structures, while attracting more customers to their businesses; thus, stimulating the local economy. 

The total amount to be awarded is $25,000, and because this grant only covers a portion of their larger plan for improvements, they were awarded the entire $25,000.

The company, run by Deana and Troy Rule, is a family-owned and operated automotive repair shop. Troy has been providing service to the community for over 30 years, but has been in the downtown building for three. The couple have always had a list of things they wanted to improve on, but found it hard to get everything done while running a thriving business. 

The grant will help them with a portion of their bigger plans for the building. With this grant, they will be replacing exterior doors, garage doors, and some windows. Most of the work will be done on the south side of the building. They feel it would help the exterior appeal of the building. 

“This is what people see when they come into town, especially if it’s their first time,” Deana said. “It represents the city as a whole.” 

Something great about their grant? They’re working with local businesses to complete their project. 

“It’s important to keep business local,” Deana said. “That’s a part of revitalizing the community.”

Rule Auto appreciates everyone who has made this grant possible. 

“It’s a great asset to our community,” said Troy. 

The couple are lifelong residents. They have eight children. 

Businesses in downtown Rensselaer are encouraged to apply for the Façade Improvement Grant. The total grant award each cycle is up to $25,000 for up to 50% of the project cost. It focuses on funding improvements to the exterior of a property such as paint, windows, trim signage, lighting and stairs.

The grant is administered by JCEDO with funds from the Rensselaer Redevelopment Commission

Jasper County Economic Development (JCEDO), in collaboration with the City of Rensselaer Building Department, worked together to create a Facade Grant Program, an identified need listed in the 2023 City of Rensselaer Comprehensive Plan.

Applications are available through the JCEDO website (https://www.jaspercountyin.com/grants/) Jasper County Economic Development Office and the City of Rensselaer Building Department. Applications will be taken quarterly from the building owners, lease holders or tenants within the 4 block radius of downtown Rensselaer. Located in our B-3 Zoning District, parameters cover Angelica St to Rutsen St and McKinley Ave to Front St.  Each applicant can apply for $5k to $25k, but not to exceed half of the total project cost.

More information can be found here: https://www.jaspercountyin.com/grants/