Uptown businesses now have an opportunity to invest in their storefronts and strengthen the district through the 2026 Great Streets Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program.

This program helps businesses improve the appearance and functionality of their storefronts while enhancing the overall vibrancy of the corridor.

The Uptown Association serves as the program administrator for the Uptown district and provides hands-on support throughout the entire process — from project review to City submission and reimbursement coordination.

For businesses considering upgrades such as signage, lighting, painting, or exterior repairs, this program can significantly reduce project costs.

Who Is Eligible

Businesses must meet the following requirements to participate in the Uptown district program:

• Be located within the eligible Uptown business district
• Be a property owner or commercial tenant (with landlord approval)
• Be current on property taxes (if owner)

Businesses are encouraged to be Gold Members of the Uptown Association ($650 annual membership), but membership is not required to apply.

Gold Membership supports the Uptown Association’s work to administer programs like this and invest in marketing, advocacy, and corridor improvements.

Grant Amounts and Matching Requirements

Grant maximums vary by corridor designation.

Eligible Areas
Up to $5,000 per storefront with a 1:2 private match

Priority Areas
Up to $7,500 with a 1:1 private match

Cultural Districts
Up to $10,000 with a 1:0.5 private match

This is a reimbursement program, meaning businesses must complete and pay for the private match portion of the project before receiving grant funds.

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following materials:

• Written project description
• Before photos of the storefront
• Project drawings, visuals, or mock-ups
• Two (2) contractor bids for identical scopes of work

Projects totaling less than $5,000 require only one bid.

Murals require only one bid.

Grant awards are based on the lower of the submitted bids, although businesses may choose either contractor to complete the project.

Eligible Improvements

Projects must improve the exterior of a commercial property and be visible from a public street.

Examples of eligible improvements include:

• Exterior painting or siding
• Masonry repair and tuckpointing
• Window and door replacement
• Awnings and canopies
• Exterior signage
• Lighting improvements
• Removal of architectural barriers
• Murals

All improvements must comply with City permitting requirements.

How the Uptown Association Helps

The Uptown Association works directly with businesses to help guide them through the grant process.

Support includes:

• Project eligibility review
• Guidance on application materials
• Assistance with contractor bids
• Coordination with City staff
• Help navigating reimbursement documentation

This hands-on support helps ensure businesses have a smooth and successful experience with the program.

Strengthening Uptown Together

Businesses investing in their storefronts help shape the future of Uptown.

While Gold Membership in the Uptown Association ($650 annually) is not required to apply for the grant, it is encouraged for businesses that want to play a larger role in supporting the district.

Gold Membership supports:

• District-wide marketing and promotion
• Advocacy and coordination with the City
• Events that drive foot traffic
• Business networking opportunities
• Ongoing corridor revitalization initiatives

Façade improvements paired with collective investment help create stronger results for the entire Uptown business community.

Interested in Applying?

If you are interested in applying for the 2026 Great Streets Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program or would like to schedule a project review meeting, contact the Uptown Association team.

We are happy to guide you through the next steps and help prepare your application.

Together, we can continue building a stronger Uptown.