Ch-ch-changes coming to the Facade Program

Last updated on April 03, 2023

Change can be difficult for many of us. But it's easy to get behind beautifying DTO! About 15 years ago, The Downtown Commercial and Residential Building Improvement Program was created by the Community Redevelopment Agency to encourage building owners to improve the appearance of their buildings in downtown through facade renovations. 

Recently, the Orlando City Council approved updating the program - giving it a fresh new name and additional funding (because if the cost of eggs has gone up, you know construction costs have too!). These updates are just one way we are continuing to assist property owners with repairs to keep our downtown looking exceptional. 

Some other changes include exterior improvements for ADA compliance, adding focus areas to encourage more pedestrian traffic. 

To date, the program has awarded funding to more than 53 properties! The new program began March 20, 2023. 

But wait...there's more! 

Eola Nail Skin Care Bar has been approved for a retail stimulus, which will be used for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, lighting, flooring, and life safety improvements. Eola Nail Skin Care Bar is a new concept where salon meets bar to provide maximum comfort for their patrons and is expected to open this summer. 

Flamingo's Coffee Shop has operated in Parramore for years, and recently was approved to be part of the Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance Program (MEBA Program). The MEBA Program is a financial assistance program established by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to help improve women owned businesses. Flamingo's Coffee Shop is located at 595 West Church Street, Suite D and looks forward to helping even more patrons with the assistance of the funding.