Downtown Commercial & Residential Building Improvement Program

The DTO Façade Program (DFP) is administered by the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to support building owners, business owners, and owners of historic residential properties in revitalizing downtown Orlando. This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown structures, stimulate economic investment, encourage the reuse of vacant or underutilized buildings, preserve historical architecture, and promote the long-term viability of the downtown area. The program is aligned with the CRA’s Redevelopment Plan and is designed to increase property values, thereby generating additional resources for community development. The program offers varying funding levels based on property location and type. In the North Quarter, Lake Lucerne, Central Business District, and Eola Planning Areas, commercial buildings may receive up to $100,000 or 50% of façade improvement costs. Historic residential buildings built before 1972 that are owner-occupied and contribute to a historic district can receive up to $20,000 or 50% of costs. In the Parramore Heritage Planning Areas, funding increases to $120,000 for commercial buildings, and up to $140,000 when combining façade and stabilization improvements. MEBA Program-affiliated businesses are eligible for an additional $40,000. Properties in designated “Focus Areas” are eligible for higher funding: up to $200,000 or 80% for commercial buildings, and up to $300,000 for historical commercial buildings. Exterior skyline lighting for buildings of 10 or more stories may receive up to $100,000. Funding is contingent on compliance with city codes and board reviews. Grants are limited to one per property every five years and have a cap of $400,000 per owner or tenant per fiscal year. Funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis following documented completion. Eligible improvements include various façade and building stabilization activities such as cleaning, painting, ADA compliance updates, roof repairs (in Focus Areas), and structural enhancements. Ineligible expenses include permit fees, general maintenance, refinancing, non-visible improvements, and costs incurred prior to grant agreement execution. Additionally, certain business types, including nonprofits, churches, liquor stores, and adult-themed businesses, are excluded from eligibility. Applicants must undergo a pre-application meeting, secure reviews from either the Appearance Review Board or Historic Preservation Board, and submit a complete application with three qualified contractor bids. A criminal background check is required, and funding decisions are based on several factors including design consistency, deterioration level, historical contribution, and sustainability elements. Selected contractors must be licensed and insured, and all work must be permitted and inspected by the City. Funds must be used within 90 days of agreement execution and improvements must be completed within one year. Grants may convert to zero-interest loans repayable over five years if improvements are removed or altered without CRA approval. Applications submitted before December 9, 2024, follow the February 5, 2024 guidelines, while those submitted after will follow the revised guidelines adopted on December 9, 2024.