FY 25-26 Facade Improvement Incentive

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Program Overview
The Facade Improvement Grant, offered by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in collaboration with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), supports permanent exterior upgrades that improve the look, function, and safety of commercial properties within the DDA District. The program enhances the exterior appearance of buildings to strengthen curb appeal, improve the visual landscape, and elevate the overall aesthetic of Downtown West Palm Beach. By investing in visible, high impact improvements, the program helps attract quality tenants and new businesses, supports the retention of existing businesses, and creates a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Boundaries
Businesses located in the DDA District: to view the DDA Boundary Map CLICK HERE

Eligibility 

  • Located within the DDA District 
  • Work cannot begin before written DDA approval or prior communication to the DDA 
  • Applicants must hold a current City of West Palm Beach business tax license and provide a copy 
  • No liens, outstanding taxes, code violations, or City debts for the applicant or the subject space 
  • Examples of improvements include: 
  • Awnings and canopies 
  • Signage that meets City code 
  • Exterior lighting that improves safety and aesthetics 
  • Storefront doors and windows 
  • Painting, stucco repair, and facade finishes visible from the public right of way 
  • Landscape beds, planters, and irrigation that frame the storefront 
  • Accessibility features at the primary entrance that meet ADA standards 
  • Removal or relocation of security grilles that improves street presence 
  • Interior work, routine maintenance, and improvements not visible from the public realm are not eligible. 
  • If receiving City or CRA funds for same facade scope, the project is not eligible for additional DDA funds 


Ineligible Business 

  • Financial services regulated by state or federal agencies 
  • Wholesale only businesses 
  • National brands in any category 
  • Tattoo, body piercing, or body art shops 
  • Smoking products and accessories, vape shops 
  • Medical marijuana dispensaries and CBD retailers 
  • Nightclubs, bars, and liquor stores 
  • Any business not permitted by City code 
  • Any business or building with outstanding code violations or City debt for the space or parcel requested 


Grant Terms 

  • Amount: Up to 50% of the cost of exterior improvements made to building facades. Storefront exterior improvements not to exceed $10,000. Building exterior improvements not to exceed $20,000 (Note: Stand-alone building or building facade more than 25,000 sq. ft.)   
  • Application must be approved in writing by the DDA prior to commencing work and expenditures. 
  • Applications shall be reviewed by DDA staff in the order they are received.  
  • Funds are limited each year and are awarded on a first come, first served basis 
  • Once approved, the award amount is final and cannot increase 
  • The award may be reduced if final paid invoices are lower than the approved estimate 
  • One active application per business location 
  • Processing and approval may take up to 12 weeks 
  • Project completed within 18 months of award. If not, the grant award shall be automatically revoked, and the recipients will be required to resubmit the grant application. 
  • Grants are not approved once allocated funds are exhausted 
  • Change orders require written DDA approval 
  • If approved for a new awning, it is expected to protect it during hurricane season. If a hurricane warning is issued, remove the awning to prevent damage. The DDA will not reimburse damages to awnings. 
  • A location that has received a facade award may reapply after 3 years 


How to apply
Submit the full application with all required documents listed below: 

  • Project description that lists scope, materials, and a target completion date 
  • Two verifiable bids for each scope item from licensed professionals. Identify your preferred vendor and the reason 
  • A single bid is acceptable if only one qualified contractor exists for that scope, explain why 
  • Current City business tax license 
  • Evidence of no outstanding City liens or taxes on the building or parcel 
  • At least one current photo of the facade and any detail areas 
  • At least one rendering or photo simulation of the proposed outcome 
  • Property owner authorization letter if the applicant is a tenant 


After approval 

  • A DDA representative will conduct a visual inspection after completion 
  • Submit final paid invoices, proof of payment, and completion photos 
  • Additional information may be requested by DDA staff or the DDA Board 


Inadequately documented applications will not be reviewed.

For additional information, contact:
Teneka James-Feaman, Executive Director
West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
107 S. Olive Avenue, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561)833-8873  • TJames@DowntownWPB.com 

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