The City of Janesville is proud to unveil a new investment in downtown safety and revitalization: the Downtown Fire Suppression Grant Program.

Administered by the Downtown Revolving Loan Fund Committee in partnership with City staff, this initiative makes $250,000 in funding available to help property owners retrofit older downtown buildings with modern fire suppression systems. Individual projects may receive up to $50,000 in grant support, and applicants can stack this funding with additional tools—including Revolving Loan Fund financing and Tax Increment Financing—to maximize project impact.

Eligible projects must be located on parcels that qualify under the Downtown Revolving Loan Fund program, ensuring this investment is strategically focused where it can make the greatest difference. This program represents a major step forward in enhancing public safety, protecting historic structures, and fueling continued reinvestment in Downtown Janesville.

“Our downtown’s future isn’t just on the first floor—it’s in the stories above as well,” said City Economic Development Director Jimsi Kuborn. “By helping offset the cost of fire suppression systems, Janesville is making it possible to bring upper floors back into use, strengthening the vitality of our historic core. We’ve heard clearly from downtown property owners that the cost of fire suppression systems can stall otherwise viable projects. This program is a targeted solution—reducing that burden.”

For more information, visit the City’s website or contact the Economic Development Office at KubornJ@janesvillewi.gov or (608) 755-3059.