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The Storefront Renovation Program assists targeted neighborhood retail districts in becoming attractive, economically viable, and diverse places to shop. The program helps fund the rehabilitation/renovation of (primarily) traditional storefront building exteriors including:
Bringing them into Building Code compliance
Correction of maintenance items and code violations
Renovation of architectural/historic details
Site improvements
Design and installation of new signage
The Storefront Program offers financial incentives (rebate or loan) combined with free City design assistance to applicants considering an exterior rehabilitation of a commercial structure. To better meet these objectives, the City partners with neighborhood Community Development Corporations.
To qualify for the Storefront Program Rebate or Loan Incentive, buildings must fall into at least one of the following categories:
Traditional commercial buildings (originally built with display windowed storefronts)
Commercially zoned retail structures
Commercially zoned service buildings
Certain building types are not eligible for the Storefront Renovation Program. They include, but may not be limited to:
Entirely residential buildings
Schools
Industrial buildings
Strip shopping plazas
Arcades
Malls
Churches
Any structure used for sacred purposes
Eligible Costs
Eligible improvements are limited to rehab costs for work done to the main elevation(s) most commonly seen by the public. Typically eligible rehab costs include:
Storefront Display Windows
Upper-floor windows
Doors
Painting or cleaning treatments
Above-ground masonry repairs
Lighting
Exterior security systems
Awnings
Signage
Landscaping and irrigation systems
Decorative fencing
Architectural fees up to $3500 (in some cases)
Certain costs are not eligible for the Storefront Renovation Program. They include:
Interior construction (exceptions apply)
HVAC or mechanical systems
Parking lot paving and drainage
Below-grade foundations (eligible for loan)
Flat roofs (eligible for loan)
Target Areas
Retail Target Areas where the Storefront Program is available can be found on the 2011-12 Target Area Map. Interested applicants with an eligible building type located in a retail Target Area may contact the CDC staff person listed on the chart for more information or an application.
2011-2012 Target Areas Listing >> CDC Contact List Link >> 2011-2012 SRP Areas >>
We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of
Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods through successful
housing rehabilitation efforts, commercial rehabilitation efforts, new housing
construction, homeownership, and community focused human services.
