Businesses located in prescribed neighborhoods are eligible for an Urban Redevelopment Authority facade improvement program that is enough to put a smile on owners’ faces.
Under the Streetface program, the URA provides up to 50 percent of eligible facade improvement costs at zero interest. If project improvements are maintained for five years, the loan does not have to be repaid.
In 1999, through Streetface and other companion exterior renovation programs, the URA awarded 67 loans at a total value of just under $1 million to merchants who matched the money with just under $2 million in private investments.
The most dramatic results of the Streetface loans can be seen on East Carson Street in the South Side and Butler Street in Lawrenceville, where numerous merchants have restored their business facades.
Eligibility for the program is based on communities’ participation in the URA’s Mainstreet program and the property owners’ interest in restoring their facades. How to reach: Urban Redevelopment Authority, (412) 255-6699
Ray Marano
