2024-2025 Façade Grant Program
This program provides matching funds to business and property owners in Alameda for improving the exterior appearance of their buildings through enhancements like painting, signage, and architectural restoration.
The City of Alameda’s Façade Grant Program offers matching grants to business and property owners for exterior building improvements. The program aims to enhance the appearance and physical condition of commercial properties within designated areas of Alameda. Grants are provided on a 50/50 matching basis, with funding levels ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the scope of improvements. Eligible applicants include retail, restaurant, theater, cultural businesses, and certain commercial properties located in specific districts such as Webster Street Business District, Downtown Alameda Business District, Historic Station areas, Gateway entrances into the City, and the Naval Air Station Historic District. Services or other commercial businesses may be considered on a case-by-case basis if located in these areas. Improvements covered by the grant include exterior painting, new or refurbished awnings and signs, restoration of architectural features like transom windows and cornices, window or door replacement, constructed outdoor eating areas (excluding parklets), and rehabilitation of historic elements. The program supports projects that improve building façades visible from key gateways into the City. There are three levels of funding available: Level One covers signage and awnings up to $5,000; Level Two includes historic or large-scale paint and signage up to $10,000; Level Three allows for all previous improvements plus architectural restoration up to $15,000. Applicants must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount requested. The application deadline is October 17, 2024. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000 overall but individual project grants follow the specified levels. This opportunity allows property owners and businesses to invest in façade enhancements that contribute to community revitalization while receiving financial support from the City. For more detailed information about eligibility requirements and application procedures, visit the City of Alameda’s official website at alamedaca.gov/BUSINESS/Programs-and-Information/Facade-Grant-Program. This program supports efforts to maintain Alameda’s unique architectural character through targeted façade improvements.
Award Range
Not specified - $15,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
Yes - The Program provides 50/50 matching grants. Three levels of grant funding are available: • Level One: To be used for signage and awnings. The maximum grant amount is 50% of the grantee’s cost up to $5,000. • Level Two: To be used for paint and signage that is historic, large-scale, neon or marquee style. The maximum grant amount is 50% of the grantee’s cost up to $10,000. • Level Three: To be used for all Level One or Two improvements, plus the restoration/refurbishment of architectural elements such as transom windows, cornices, trim and other architectural details. The maximum grant amount is 50% of the grantee’s cost up to $15,000.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Location, Business and Property Type: The following business/properties within the City locations described below are eligible to participate in the Program: Retail, restaurant, theater, or cultural businesses. Commercial properties that include retail, restaurant, theaters, or cultural businesses. Services* or other commercial businesses/property types (such as offices) are considered on a case-by-case basis, so long as the business or property is located within one of the following City areas: • Webster Street Business District. • Downtown Alameda Business District. • An Historic Station area, including: Grand, Mastick, Bay, South High St., Chestnut, Morton, Versailles, Willow, Fifth Street, Caroline, High Street North and Stanton. • A Gateway into the City, including: Webster Tube, Park Street Bridge, Fruitvale Bridge, High Street Bridge and the Doolittle Drive entrance area. The business property must have a front or side façade that is visible from one of the above gateways. • Naval Air Station Historic District. Shopping centers and business parks are not eligible to participate in the Program. *Service businesses include, among others: personal and pet care services (barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, pet grooming, etc.), repair services (auto, furniture, electronics, etc.), laundry and dry-cleaning services, caterers, hotels, and fitness centers.
Geographic Eligibility
Alameda
Application Opens
August 1, 2025
Application Closes
Not specified
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