Facade Improvement Program

The Facade Improvement Program is a discretionary incentive program designed to improve the exterior elements of existing businesses located within the County’s Redevelopment Project Areas.  Eligible business owners can apply for a forgivable loan of up to $25,000 for design services, and a grant of up to $100,000 for construction costs.  In return for this assistance, the property owner must agree to maintain the improvements for a period of ten years.

Eligibility
Property owners and tenants with commercial buildings located within the Riverside County Redevelopment Project Areas are eligible to participate in the Facade Improvement Program and receive funding of up to $125,000 to renovate the exterior of their building.  Approval is discretionary and is determined by Agency staff on a case-by-case basis.

$25,000 Design Assistance
Applicant will be required to enter into a forgivable loan agreement for design services and the development of cost estimates, in an amount not to exceed $25,000.  The program requires that the design of new facades must conform to County and Economic Development Agency Standards in order to provide a consistent architectural theme within the community.

Once a project design is developed and approved, property owners can receive up to $100,000 to fund the construction of the facade improvements.

The loan for design services will be forgiven upon full execution of the Easement Agreement (signed prior to construction).  In the event that applicant decides not to proceed with construction of the improvements, all expended design costs must be reimbursed to Agency by applicant.

$100,000 Construction Assistance
Construction funding up to $100,000 will be provided to approved project applicants who have executed a Facade Easement Agreement with the Redevelopment Agency.  The Facade Improvement Program focuses on the following priorities:

• Building Elements, including, but not limited to:
  • Painting 
  • Awnings 
  • Doors/Windows
  • Exterior Lighting
  • Stucco
• Landscape
• Signage

For more information and project applications, please contact the Redevelopment Agency for the County of Riverside at 951.955.0911.