DHCD provides funding to highly qualified community-based non-profit organizations to develop storefront façade improvement projects in low/moderate income retail/commercial areas in the District of Columbia. Typically, a project is comprised of between ten and twenty-five, preferably concentrated within a few blocks, storefronts selected by the participating non-profit. Qualified business and/or commercial property owners within the targeted area receive matching grants for general repairs/maintenance and for the installation of doors, windows, signs, storefront systems, awnings, and lighting. The non-profit organization provides the business and/or property owners with professional design and construction services throughout the storefront renovation.
Storefront façade improvement enhances the image and overall economic viability of neighborhood business districts by improving the function and appearance of individual building facades; and by spurring new private investment in commercial properties in the same location and in adjacent commercial districts. Successful storefront improvement projects manifest readily observable outcomes that positively affect the community.
Areas of Interest: