Facade Scoring Instructions

Town of Wickenburg: Commercial Façade Grant Program
Scoring Instructions for Review Committee
Purpose of the Grant:
 The Commercial Façade Grant Program is intended to support exterior improvements to commercial
properties that enhance visual appeal, preserve community character, and support local economic
development in Wickenburg.
As a committee member, your role is to evaluate each application based on the Evaluation Rubric,
using a fair, consistent, and objective approach. The rubric is designed to ensure grants awarded align
with the goals of the program: visual revitalization, long-term improvement, and support for
Wickenburg’s unique Western identity.
Scoring Overview:
Each application will be scored out of 100 points across four categories:
Category
Max Points
Visual Prominence
25
Design Quality & Aesthetic Appeal
25
Durability & Long-Term Impact
25
Enhancement of Local Character
25
TOTAL
100
Detailed Scoring Criteria:
1. Visual Prominence (25 points)
 Evaluate how visible and prominent the property is within Wickenburg and how the
improvements will affect the surrounding area. High scores should go to:

Projects located in high-traffic or highly visible areas (e.g., downtown core, key
corridors).

Buildings that currently detract from their surroundings and have potential for strong
visual impact.
2. Design Quality & Aesthetic Appeal (25 points)
 Assess the quality, cohesiveness, and creativity of the proposed improvements. Look for:

Clear, well-planned enhancements that reflect a cohesive design.

Visually compelling or transformative upgrades.

Plans that show thoughtful architectural integration.
3. Durability & Long-Term Impact (25 points)
 Determine the expected longevity of the improvements. Higher scores should be awarded to:

Projects using durable, high-quality materials.

Enhancements that will provide lasting benefits to the property and the community.

Plans demonstrating strong construction practices and future maintenance
considerations.

4. Enhancement of Local Character (25 points)
 Consider how well the project reflects Wickenburg’s identity, including its Western heritage
and small-town charm. Strong applications will:

Enhance or preserve Wickenburg’s unique sense of place.

Use design elements that align with the community’s historical or cultural themes.

Reinforce the visual appeal of key commercial areas.
Scoring Tips:

Be Consistent: Use the full range of the scale. Apply the same standards across all
applications.

Be Objective: Base your scores solely on the materials submitted. Do not score based on
personal knowledge unless referenced in the application.

Incomplete Applications: Deduct points if required elements (e.g., photos, design plans, cost
estimates) are missing or unclear.

Conflict of Interest: If you have a relationship with an applicant that may impact your ability
to score impartially, notify the Grant Administrator (Kathleen Crutchfield) and recuse yourself
from scoring that application.
Next Steps After Scoring:

Submit your completed scoring sheets by the deadline: August 25, 2025

Final funding decisions will be based on cumulative scores and Review Committee discussion
in early September.
Contact for Questions:
Kathleen Crutchfield
 Grant Administrator
  kcrutchfield@wickenburgaz.gov
  928-232-0037