The RENOVATE Façade Improvement Program is supported by the County’s Economic Development Trust Fund and Community Development Block Grant and provides direct investment into properties and small businesses in areas of economic opportunity. The program ensures that businesses have a storefront that reflects their community and values, supports regulatory compliance, and inspires new and trusted customer traffic. This program is part of the department’s economic development strategy to drive retention and growth among our small business communities and commercial corridors and to revitalize areas of high need within unincorporated Los Angeles County.

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Development Authority, Emar Studio for Public Architecture, and Harry H Joh Construction, the County invested approximately $1.8 million in construction and related services into the property and businesses:

• La Parrilla Salvadoreña Restaurant — 3701 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Frank’s Variedades Gift Shop — 3703 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Angelinas Fashion — 3705 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• La Ideal Artículos Religiosos — 3707 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Velia’s Unisex Hair Salon — 3709 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063

• Kilo Hats — 3711 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063

• Pink Rose L.A.— 3713 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Vitasol Vitamins and Moneygram Services — 3715 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Help U Save Insurance Services — 3715 ½ E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• The Bounce LA Creative Space & Special Events — 110 N. Rowan Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• King of Fades Barber Shop — 114 N. Rowan Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Zozaya Market & Liquor — 116 N. Rowan Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90063

The properties received upgrades to exterior paint, signage, fixtures, lighting, windows, and doors and includes improvements to accessibility through new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant facilities.

“Investing in East Los Angeles has long been a priority of mine because this community deserves vibrant commercial corridors that reflect its strength, culture, and resilience,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.“The improvements at the 1st and Rowan Shopping Center are the result of our continued commitment to supporting small businesses, revitalizing neighborhood business districts, and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for residents and visitors. These local businesses have served generations of families and remain an essential part of East Los Angeles’ identity and economy. I am proud that through the RENOVATE Façade Improvement Program, we were able to bring critical investment to this commercial center, partnering with property owners and small businesses to create lasting economic opportunity for East Los Angeles.”

“A storefront is often a customer’s first impression of a business and an important reflection of the community it serves,” said Kelly LoBianco, DEO Director. “The transformation of the 1st and Rowan Shopping Center highlights how targeted investments like the RENOVATE Façade Improvement Program can support the long-term success of local businesses while enhancing an important neighborhood commercial center.”

“Last year, the Bounce was renovated, and the outcome has been a 100% improvement. It’s given us the opportunity to truly showcase our vendors and look good doing it. That’s what The Bounce is all about—bringing creative talent from East LA into a space where their work can shine. Before, the storefront was boarded up and covered in graffiti. Now I’m proud to bring any vendor or artisan here. We planted the seed, Supervisor Solis watered it, and now we’re blossoming.” said Herbert Gonzalez, Owner of the Bounce.

Since its launch in 2015, Los Angeles County has completed nearly 40 projects, investing over $11 million on façade improvements for serving more than 125 businesses across all five districts.

To learn more about the RENOVATE Façade Improvement Program, visit: www.opportunity.lacounty.gov/renovate