Façade Improvement Programs
The URA offers façade improvement programs designed to help commercial building owners and tenants improve or restore their storefronts.
The URA Storefront Renovation Program and Streetface Program are currently undergoing changes.
While our programs are being reevaluated, please check back to our website for updates, subscribe to our newsletter, or send facade related questions or comments to: skane@ura.org.
Downtown Façade Restoration Program
The Downtown Façade Restoration Program is designed to promote the preservation and improvement of buildings between Liberty Avenue and First Avenue in the Golden Triangle.
Cultural District Historic Façade Restoration Program
The Cultural District Historic Façade Restoration Program is designed to promote the preservation and improvement of the buildings in the Penn-Liberty Historic District, a portion of the nascent cultural district adjacent to Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts.
Success Stories
From 2014-2017 the CIE worked with local businesses to accomplish the following façade projects:
- 217 completed URA grants and loans
- $2,685,931 in URA investments
- $10,340,975 in total project costs
La Gourmandine (Hazelwood)
The URA provided a $31,500 Streetface façade forgiveable loan for the renovation of the vacant former D'Imperios Market in Hazelwood. This location is the manufacturing facility for La Gourmandine Bakery and is also the home to their third retail bakery site.
Second Avenue Before
Second Avenue After
Twisted Frenchman (East Liberty)
The URA provided a $31,500 Streetface Program grant for the facade rehabilitation of Twisted Frenchman in East Liberty. The restaurant partners drastically improved the façade of their new building.
5925 Baum Blvd Before
5925 Baum Blvd After
Espresso a Mano (Lawrenceville)
3623 Butler Before
3623 Butler After