Commercial Facade Improvement Program

Overview

The Commercial Facade Improvement Program is designed to enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of commercial properties within priority areas across St. Louis. Through this program, property owners and tenants can apply for forgivable loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to improve their building facades, contributing to a vibrant, welcoming streetscape that attracts customers and investment.

The Commercial Facade Application portal is posted on Egrams for online submission.

Please note: The application form is on page 50 of the 2025 CDBG RFP document (found here). You will use this application form to enter the application information in the application portal in EGrams.

CDA STL Commercial Facade Improvement Program Guidelines 2025 PDF published August 23, 2024

Key Areas of Focus

• North-South Metrolink Route (Greenline)
• Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSAs)
• Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Demonstration Areas
• Major Commercial Corridors Citywide
• Commercial Facade Improvement Criteria Map (click here)

Please note: This program is open to the entire City of St. Louis within a low-to-moderate income (LMI) area.

Key Things to Know

• Will you need a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) from SAM.gov to apply. Apply for onw now! The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registers entities that recieve federal funds via CDA. 

• Loan Amounts: Eligible projects can receive forgivable loans between $5,000 and $50,000 per building.

• Forgivable Loan: The loan will be fully forgiven if the business remains operational for five years post-improvement, and the facade passes a compliance inspection for: active business operations, active business licensure, CBI clearance, complete and closed reporting documentation.

• Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 4:00 PM on Friday, September 6, 2024.

• Application Portal: Applications must be submitted through the EGRAMS portal. 
   
• Project Scope: Eligible improvements include window or door replacement, masonry repair, signage, awning installation, exterior lighting, and other approved exterior treatments.
   
• Construction: Approved projects will have to comply with Environmental Review clearance, Davis Bacon, W/MBE contractor rules. A list of certified contractors is available at; flystl.diversitycompliance.com/

Project Parameters

• Property Ownership: Applicants must either own or lease the property where improvements will be made. If leasing, the property owner must agree to the proposed improvements and sign a Statement of Permission.

• Vacancy & Compliance: Properties must comply with ADA or building code requirements, and any outstanding taxes with the City of St. Louis must be up-to-date.

• Contractor Selection: Applicants are required to provide an itemized cost estimate from a licensed contractor on company letterhead as part of the application.

Required Information

• Project Address and Business Information: Applicants must provide the specific address of the property and details about the business operating there.
• Scope of Improvements: A detailed description of the proposed facade improvements, supported by conceptual or architectural renderings and photographs.
• Funding Sources: Information on the total project cost and the proposed sources of funding, including private equity, bank loans, or other sources.
• Employee Impact: Applicants must include details about current and anticipated full-time and part-time employment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program? Property owners and tenants within the targeted areas such as the North-South Metrolink Route, NRSAs, EJI Demonstration Areas, and major commercial corridors citywide are eligible to apply.

What types of improvements are eligible for funding? Eligible improvements include window and door replacements, masonry repairs, exterior treatments, signage, awnings, lighting, and other approved facade enhancements that contribute to the overall aesthetic and safety of the commercial corridor.

How is the loan forgiven? The loan is forgiven after five years if the business remains operational and the facade improvements comply with the program's guidelines. A compliance inspection will be conducted to verify this.

What documentation is required for the application? Applicants must submit a completed application form, color photographs of the existing facade, architectural renderings of proposed improvements, an itemized cost estimate from a licensed contractor, and proof of up-to-date tax filings.

Can tenants apply if they do not own the property? Yes, tenants can apply if they have the property owner's written consent for the proposed improvements and submit a signed Statement of Permission with their application.

Contact

Per the2025 CDBG RFP, please send all question in writing to CDBG@stlouis-mo.gov.