Love Local Storefronts
Investing in business districts through façade improvements
Love Local Storefronts aims to help cities enhance their local business districts through improvements to building façades.
Façade improvements restore and revitalize the visual appeal of downtowns and business districts, preserve community and cultural heritage, and help businesses thrive.
Cities can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to reimburse eligible property owners for expenses related to façade improvements.
Who can apply
Hennepin County cities, housing and redevelopment authorities, economic development authorities, and port authorities who have not received funds for façade improvements in the last two years can apply for funding through Love Local Storefronts.
Funding prioritization will be given to municipalities that plan to award funds to projects located within a business district without a separate façade improvement program.
Eligible projects
Love Local Storefronts can be used to reimburse property owners for the following types of projects:
- Exterior painting or re-siding
- Restoration of exterior finishes and materials
- Masonry repairs and tuck pointing
- Removal of architecturally incompatible exterior finishes and materials
- Restoration of historically appropriate or accurate architectural details
- Repair, replacement, or installation of windows and doors
- Window and cornice flashing and repair
- Canopy or awning installation or repair
- Installation or repair of permanent exterior signage on the building
- ADA improvements on the exterior of the property
How to apply
Guidelines and the application for Love Local Storefronts will be available on October 2, 2025. Applications will be accepted in the Hennepin County Supplier Portal.
Important dates:
- Love Local Storefronts RFA opens: October 2, 2025
- Deadline for questions: October 9, 2025
- FAQ posted: October 10, 2025
- Love Local Storefronts RFP closes: October 16, 2025
Funding
A total of $225,000 is available for Love Local Storefronts. All eligible project activities must be completed by December 31, 2026 to be eligible for reimbursement through Love Local Storefronts.
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