Focus on Downtown
"Focus on Downtown, a Façade Improvement Program" was created by CCDC as part of an overall redevelopment program to improve the quality of life Downtown. The Program is designed to assist property and business owners in rehabilitating the commercial facades of their properties for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, and complementing other community revitalization efforts. Participants are eligible to receive a rehabilitation rebate upon the completion of their project. In addition, participants are eligible for free design assistance to help in planning their project.
Brochure 1.67MB
Program Guidelines 129.87KB
Application Form 67.70KB
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM GUIDELINES & REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility
Property owners and business owners/tenants lessees, with written authorization of the property owner, may be eligible to participate in the program. A business owner must have a current lease with a minimum of 5 years remaining or have been operating in downtown San Diego for more than 5 years. The following types of projects are specifically excluded:
- New Construction
- National Franchises
- Government offices and agencies
- Properties entirely in residential use
- Projects that are inconsistent with the goals of CCDC, the redevelopment plan and the community plan
- Properties that have received rebates from the City's Storefront Improvement Program or CCDC's Focus on Downtown within the last 5 years
Program Boundary
Properties located Downtown within the redevelopment project area are eligible for participation in the program. Properties located within the Broadway Focus Area and the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District are eligible to receive higher amount of rebates.
Program Boundary 200KB
Design Assistance
Participants may receive free design assistance/architectural services. Architects and designers are under contract with CCDC to provide design assistance and architectural services, and will be assigned to a project when requested by a participant.
Rebate - Forgivable Loan
The Program provides Participants the opportunity to receive a rebate up to the maximum amounts, in the form of a loan forgivable over a five (5) year period, for rehabilitation purposes upon the completion of their facade renovation Project. Participants may receive a rebate of two dollars ($2.00) for every for three dollars $3.00 spent on the Project up to the appropriate maximum rebate amounts listed below. For example, a single non-historic storefront Participant in the downtown area who spends $30,000 for approved costs on the Project is eligible to receive a rebate in an amount up to $20,000.
