Façade Improvements on the South Side

Matching funds available through the Urban Redevelopment Authority

The South Side is home to one of the largest continuous stretches of Victorian architecture in a business district in the country. In order to preserve this piece of history, facade restorations are needed from time to time. Improved facades make a neighborhood shopping district more attractive and inviting. Such is the case in the South Side, where hundreds of facades have been restored since the early 1980s. Property owners who restore their historic storefronts typically experience increased sales and have an easier time renting vacant space.

If you’re thinking about façade improvements for your building, you should know that you are not on your own. Public funds are available through the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) Streetface Program, and private lenders certainly understand the importance of restoration.

URA Streetface Program for façade improvements
2005 Streetface applications are being accepted as of March 15, 2005. The URA has yet to receive new program funding, but has opened the program to new applicants in anticipation of funding approval. The URA's Streetface program is a forgivable loan program that matches up to 40 percent of the cost of restoration, rehabilitation, or new construction projects up to $10,000 for storefronts or $30,000 for an entire building. This program also covers architectural fees. Funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis based on an application and review process. For additional information, contact SSLDC at (412) 481-0651 or the URA at (412) 255-6550.

• Download Streetface Application
• Download Streetface Guidelines
• Download Basic Procedures
• Download Conflict of Interest form
• Download L.E.R.T.A. tax exemption form
• Download South Side Local Architect List

Contact the URA at (412) 255-6550 for the Streetface Façade applications and a list of approved contractors.