About
The RENOVATE Façade Improvement Program (RENOVATE) transforms small businesses in historically disinvested areas county-wide through grants for strategic storefront upgrades. This County-funded initiative transforms storefront façades through design enhancements that unlock economic growth and revitalize commercial corridors across Los Angeles County.
What is a Façade?
A façade is the exterior “face” of a building that fronts the public right-of-way—the sidewalk, street, or plaza. It includes the visible parts of a storefront or building exterior that shape how a business looks and feels to customers and the community.
Common façade elements include:
- Storefront windows and doors
- Exterior paint and finishes
- Signage and lighting
- Awnings and exterior features
- Entrance accessibility improvements
RENOVATE at a Glance
Since launching in 2015, RENOVATE has delivered visible, community-centered investments that support small businesses and strengthen commercial corridors.
Invested
Completed Projects
Small businesses served
Average investment per project
Why It Matters?
RENOVATE helps improve the look, safety, and accessibility of commercial storefronts—creating stronger corridors where small businesses can thrive. These improvements encourage foot traffic, support local jobs, and demonstrate the County’s long-term investment in neighborhoods. A façade is the exterior “face” of a building that fronts the public right-of-way—the sidewalk, street, or plaza. It includes the visible parts of a storefront or building exterior that shape how a business looks and feels to customers and the community.
Goals
Drive economic growth for small businesses by enhancing storefront design and curb appeal
Encourage reinvestment in local businesses and commercial corridors
Ensure code compliance for ADA accessibility
Increase access to services in commercial corridors
Types of Improvements
RENOVATE provides grants for comprehensive façade design and construction services for participating businesses and building owners. Design services may include façade and streetscape enhancements such as:
*Building projects with multiple storefronts are eligible.
Eligibility
WHO QUALIFIES
Commercial property owners and commercial tenants with written property owners’ approval are eligible. Properties in commercial corridors in unincorporated areas of LA County are prioritized.
REQUIREMENTS
Current on property taxes and water bills, no non-mortgage liens, building construction completed more than 5 years ago, no RENOVATE funding received in past 10 years
NOT ELIGIBLE
Religious organizations, government offices (non-governmental tenants allowed)
Priority Corridors
Priority Commercial Corridors*
- East LA: Whittier Boulevard from S Burger Avenue to Goodrich Boulevard
- Florence-Firestone: Central Avenue from Florence Avenue to Manchester Avenue / Firestone Boulevard
- West Athens / Westmont: Vermont Avenue from West 83rd Street and to West Century Boulevard
- Pacoima: Van Nuys Boulevard between Hoyt Street and San Fernando Road
- Huntington Park: Pacific Blvd between Florence Avenue and Randolph Street
- Altadena: S Lake Avenue between E Altadena Drive and Beverly Way
- Altadena: Lincoln Avenue between Figueroa Drive and Wyoming Street
- Altadena: Fair Oaks Avenue between Maple Street and East Washington Boulevard
*Projects located in incorporated cities of the County will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require a funding match from the city
Business Commitment
Property owners participating in RENOVATE must sign a grant agreement and recorded maintenance covenant. This agreement requires an owner to maintain the façade improvements for 10 years from the grant date without removing or significantly altering them. If the property changes hands, the new owner assumes these same obligations for the duration of the covenant period.
Press and Media
- Reseda Businesses Revitalized Through LA County’s Renovate Façade Improvement Program
- County Unveils Revitalized Businesses on Reseda’s Commercial Corridor With Renovate Façade Improvement Program
- LA County’s “Renovate” Program Unveils Facelift for Menos Barbershop, Boosting Economic Growth in East Los Angeles – Hoodline
- LA County Helps Reimagine and Restore Local Commercial Businesses
- Supervisor Barger and L.A. County’s New Department of Economic Opportunity Celebrate Completed Small Business Restoration Projects in Altadena – The Los Angeles Post