Façade Program

To leverage private investment in the physical and aesthetic improvement of commercial properties with first floor/street-level storefronts and enhance the attractiveness of targeted areas within the City of Worcester.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants shall be property owners of commercial buildings with first floor/street-level storefronts. First floor/street-level retail tenants may apply with the approval of the property owner as a co-applicant. In order for an application to be considered, all real estate taxes on the subject properties must be current.

Ineligible Applicants

Ineligible applicants include, but are not necessarily limited to, property owners of commercial buildings that house or will house check cashing agencies and some non-bank financial retail outlets, gun shops, pawn shops, liquor stores, sexually-oriented businesses, cannabis businesses and dollar stores.

The City reserves the right to reject any application that is incomplete or does not meet the Program Requirements in the sole opinion of the Division of Business & Community Development. In addition, the City may decide on a case-by-case basis to reject any application that does not benefit the health, safety and welfare of the targeted commercial corridor.

Eligible Activities

• Awnings
• Complete Façade Renovations*
• Doors
• Entryways
• Lighting
• Painting
• Signage
• Windows

*For this program, facade is defined as the side of a building which faces and/or is visible from a public way and is generally used for public access.

Façade Design Guidelines

The Design Standards will promote high quality architecture by reinforcing basic urban design principles that make a city desirable and attractive for residents, employees and visitors. The Design Standards are not intended to limit development, but rather to ensure that the program is arranged on the site to respond to its context and to minimize adverse impacts to the pedestrian environment.

• Façade Design Guidelines

Funding

Funding for this program will be provided through:

• The City of Worcester's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which are allocated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• The City of Worcester’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds, which are allocated through the United States Department of Treasury.

Where applicable, ARPA funding will be prioritized for Facade projects on a rolling basis while funding is available.

Applicants must meet and adhere to Federal requirements and compliance issues.

• The funding amount per project can range between $25,000 - $75,000 dependent on the location of the property, scope of work and cost estimates for completion of the project.
• Properties located within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) are eligible for up to $75,000. Properties located outside a QCT are eligible for up to $50,000.
• The maximum grant amount allowed per project is not to exceed 75% of the total project cost.
• This is a reimbursement program. The applicant must arrange financing for the entire project. The City will make a reimbursement payment(s) up to the amount agreed, upon completion of work.
• To determine if your address is within a Qualified Census Tract – see QCT Map.
  • Enter your address in the search bar.
  • Below “Select Layer(s)” on the left side of the screen, select:
    • Color QCT Qualified Census Tracts
    • Tracts Outline