Façade RENEW Plus FAQ

1. What is the Façade RENEW Plus Program?

Façade RENEW Plus is a matching‑grant program funded through CDBG that supports exterior improvements to commercial properties in select New Orleans commercial corridors. The program helps reduce blight, improve storefront appearance, and strengthen neighborhood business districts. This round of programming is specifically targeting the lower 9th ward & New Orleans East.

2. Is this a loan? Do I have to pay the money back?

No, this is a grant, not a loan. You do not need to repay the funds unless you violate program requirements (such as failing to secure a tenant within the required timeframe for vacant spaces).

3. How much funding can I receive?

Award amounts range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the linear frontage of your building. NORA funds up to 85% of project costs; the applicant covers the remaining 15%.

4. What types of improvements are eligible?

Eligible activities include exterior façade rehabilitation such as:
  • Exterior repairs
  • Masonry and siding
  • Windows and doors
  • Storefront design improvements
  • Signage compliant with HDLC guidelines
  • Lighting
  • Awnings and canopies
  • Accessibility improvements that relate to the exterior façade
Interior improvements are not eligible.

5. What types of improvements are not eligible?

Grant funds cannot be used for: 
  • Interior work 
  • Equipment or furnishings  
  • Roof replacement  
  • Sidewalks  
  • Paving 
  • Billboards  
  • Security bars  

6. Am I eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:
Commercial property owners OR business tenants (with owner consent)
Applicants must:
  • Be located within an eligible corridor
  • Be in good standing with the City and State

7. Can nonprofit organizations apply?

Only if they own an eligible commercial property or operate a commercial business within the corridor. Nonprofits used solely for administrative/office functions are typically not eligible unless they serve the public within the commercial space.

8. Can I apply if my business rents the property?

Yes. Business tenants may apply but must provide a signed Owner Consent Form from the property owner.

9. What do I need to apply?

You will need:

  • Project description
  • Color photos of the existing façade
  • Proof of property ownership or a completed tenant consent form if applying as a business tenant
  • Proof of corridor eligibility

10. Where can I Apply?

Applicants should be submitted online via the application portal (link here). Paper applications are not available and will not be accepted. 

11. How are projects selected?

Projects are evaluated based on:

  • Property condition
  • Defined scope
  • Project Readiness
  • Feasible project timeline

12. When can construction begin?

Work cannot begin until:

  • Environmental review is completed, and
  • A Grant Agreement is fully executed & a Notice to Proceed is issued.

Projects that start early are automatically disqualified.

13. Do I have to create my own designs for the project?

No, selected applicants will be paired with a NORA-designated architect to help develop project plans and scope. 

14. Will I have to find my own contractor to do the work?

Yes, once the project designs are completed, the selected applicants are responsible for soliciting bids from at least two licensed contractors. 

15. Can I hire my own architect or contractor?

Applicants must work with a NORA‑designated architect for design documents.

Contractors must be licensed and provide detailed bids. Applicants choose from among qualified contractors but must meet bidding requirements

16. What happens if construction costs come in lower than expected?

Your award amount will be recalculated to ensure NORA funds do not exceed 85% of final eligible costs. For example, if your store has 50 LF, your award will be up to $50,000. If the project cost is 45,000, NORA will cover 85% of that, which is $38,250. You will cover the rest (15% of the project).

17. What if my building is vacant?

You can still apply to this program; however, there are requirements to be met. Vacant ground‑floor commercial spaces must be:

  • Brought to “occupant‑ready” status within 6 months, and
  • Leased by a commercial tenant within 12 months

Failure to meet these requirements may result in repayment of 10% of the grant.

18. How competitive is the program?

Funding is limited, and awards are made through a competitive review process based on eligibility, project feasibility, corridor impact, and financial readiness.

19. How long does the approval process take?

Timelines vary based on environmental review and scope of work. Most projects take up to 3-6 months from application to final approval.

20. Can mixed‑use buildings apply?

Yes, as long as the improvements benefit the commercial portion of the building. Only commercial frontage is counted for funding tiers.

21. What if my corridor or address is not listed as eligible?

Unfortunately, properties outside the listed corridors are not eligible for this round of funding.

22. Do I need to show proof of my 15% contribution?

Yes. Applicants must provide documentation such as bank statements, loan agreements, or lines of credit dated within 90 days of board approval.

23. How does the reimbursement process work?

This is a cost‑reimbursement program. Applicants must:

  • Pay their portion first
  • Submit itemized invoices and supporting documentation to NORA
  • Complete a NORA inspection for each reimbursement request
  • Once we complete the inspection, we will pay you, and you will pay the contractor.

Up to three reimbursement requests may be submitted per project.

24. How long is the reimbursement process?

Reimbursements typically take no more than 45 days after submission and approval of documentation and site inspection.

25. How long do I have to complete the project?

The project must be completed within 12 months of signing the grant agreement. 

26. Are there any post project requirements?

Yes, you must adhere to the following requirements for 5 years after construction is completed:

  • Maintain project improvements
  • Keep property in good condition

NORA will do an annual inspection to ensure these requirements are met. Recipients must not remove, alter, or significantly modify funded improvements without NORA approval. Unauthorized changes may trigger repayment of grant funds.

27. What happens if I do not maintain the improvements for the full 5-years?

NORA may recapture grant funds on a pro‑rated basis, reducing the recoverable amount by one‑fifth (1/5) for each year you remained in full compliance.

Example: If you comply for 3 years but fall out of compliance in year 4, NORA may recapture up to 40% of the awarded funds.

28. What happens if my project is not completed correctly?

Projects that do not complete the approved scope of work, or that fail required inspections, will not be eligible for reimbursement.

29. Can NORA recover funds if I sell the property?

Yes. NORA may recover grant funds if the property is sold or transferred within one (1) year of project completion.

30. What are the requirements for vacant ground‑floor commercial spaces after the project is completed?

Properties with vacant commercial spaces at project completion must:

  • Reach occupant‑ready status and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy within 6 months of executing the Grant Agreement
  • Secure a commercial tenant within 12 months