A few historic buildings in downtown St. Paul will be getting a face-lift in time for the Republican National Convention, thanks to a program approved by the City Council on Wednesday.

The council voted 6-1 to approve $2 million to be used for facade improvements, such as new awnings, windows or exterior lighting. The money is coming from a miscellaneous assessment fund that had unspent money, city officials said. The increased value of their properties after the improvements will cause the buildings' owners to pay more in property taxes, which is intended to return the $2 million plus interest back to the city.

Cecile Bedor, St. Paul's director of planning and economic development, said the concept is similar to assessing people for new curbs or fancy streetlights. Owners who take out up to $250,000 will need to pay it back in 15 years and more than $250,000 in 20 years. The interest rate will be 6.7 percent.

The maximum for a property will be $500,000, and as many as a half-dozen buildings could participate.

Council Member Pat Harris called the effort noble but voted against it, saying he thought it looked more like a loan program and questioning whether assessments could be made on the private buildings.

Council Member Dave Thune, who represents downtown, said because the buildings are historic, their facades belong to the public.

In a tighter economic environment, the new program is a gift, said Sandra Erickson, whose family has owned the Allen Building, 287 E. 6th St., since the 1940s.

Erickson said she plans to apply for $500,000 for tuckpointing and new windows.

The hope is that the program will spur other investment downtown.

"These kinds of things make a difference," said Jim Miller, who owns the Jax Building at 253 E. 4th St.

CHRIS HAVENS