Rising Up from Ashes

A devastating electrical fire in November 2021 forced J. Henry’s Barber Shop, a mainstay of the Parramore community for almost three decades, to close. Now, the historic space at 642 W. Church Street will soon be rebuilt, thanks to help from the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Downtown Commercial and Residential Building Improvement Program (DCRBIP).  

DCRBIP offers a three-year, interest-free deferred loan for façade and/or building stabilization improvements to existing properties within the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area ("Downtown CRA"). The program provides assistance with costs related to exterior physical improvements throughout the entire downtown CRA.   

Earlier this month, building owner Virginia Faulkner received approval for funding from the CRA totaling $120,000 to go toward rebuilding the 73-year-old historic building. J. Henry’s Barber Shop expects to reopen in 2023 along with other future retails.   

As a result of this funding, existing - and new retailers - will be able to have a space in the historic Paramore neighborhood, providing opportunity to support and showcase small business owners in a prime area. This in turn supports the long-term viability of downtown Orlando. 

 

The DCRBIP is just one of several incentives offered by the CRA. Click here to learn more about incentives your business may be qualified to receive.