CELEBRATING
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS
In collaboration with our funders and our community development partners, the 500th façade improvement was completed in 2021.
About the Program
In 2004, LISC Indianapolis created the Façade and Property improvement program as an incentive to property owners and tenants to improve the exterior appearance of their buildings and storefronts to increase sales and attract new businesses and shoppers to the targeted area. With the creation of this program, LISC Indianapolis set off to:
- Remove blight along key commercial corridors
- Foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that creates opportunity for neighborhood residents
- Beautify the neighborhood and create a welcoming atmosphere
The Small Business Facade and Property Improvement Program is a component of LISC Indianapolis’ Inclusive Economic Opportunity Districts Program that provides matching grants to property and business owners that are interested in renovating. Participants can qualify for grants of up to $20,000 that cover up to 50 percent of the cost of improvements like new signage, exterior lighting, windows, murals, painting, doors, and/or structural or design changes. Beyond beautification, intentional design elements and effective use of public space can also prevent crime and improve the neighborhood quality of life (e.g. nighttime lighting, windows looking onto streets and parking lots, etc.).
Impact
Total Façade Awards Granted
Pro-Bono Design Assistance Recipients
Average Total Building Square Feet
Total Façade Improvement Cost
Total Amount Awarded
$4.2 million
Total Impacted Square Feet
2.1 million
Total Building Square Feet
7.7 million
27
Minority male-owned businesses
12
Minority female-owned businesses
18
Women-owned businesses
1
Veteran-owned business
MBE, WBE & VBE AWARDED BETWEEN 2015 – 2021: 41%
Map of Grantees
Funder Acknowledgement
LISC’s facade grant program uses a combination of public and private funding to help property owners improve their building’s street-front exteriors.
The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership believes a neighborhood’s vibrancy depends on more than housing for its residents. Business opportunity and success is intrinsically linked to neighborhoods and the quality of life they offer. We proudly support LISC Indianapolis’ Façade and Property Improvement Program and its positive benefits of creating more welcoming, livable and valued places to live.
— MORGAN HOOVER, VICE PRESIDENT, PHILANTHROPY & MARKETING, INHP
Additional funders include:
Looking Ahead
1.
Commitment to minority, immigrant and women-owned properties and businesses.
2.
Focus on commercial property or businesses located in LISC neighborhoods
3.
Façade improvements that incorporate design elements to prevent crime
4.
COVID adaptations including signage, attached awning, walk-up service window, permanent outdoor seating structures, etc.