NORFOLK, Va. — Looking the part is sometimes half the battle.
In Norfolk, business often depends on how inviting, or clean, a storefront is on the outside. That’s why property owners are getting some help from the city to develop areas on the cusp of something great.
They want to improve up-and-coming corridors outside of downtown by offering incentives in the form of façade grants.
It’s all part of the Commercial Corridor Program launched in the fall of 2022.
Their first focus area is the 35th Street and Riverview corridors, where businesses like MJ’s Tavern and Blanca Food & Wine have helped spark a revitalization. Plans are also in the works to restore the iconic Riverview Theaters a block away.
But the city is hoping the grant funds can help with some of the vacancies still plaguing the area.
Property owners and tenants can apply for $50,000 and $25,000 grants that will go toward architectural improvements, new awnings, murals, and heating and cooling systems.
The grant also comes with a 10% match from the city and an execution agreement that improvements will be finished within one year to expedite the beautification of the area.
In Riverview, a new sign has welcomed people into the growing corridor for years now. The city is just hoping a brush-up and new business make it a place to park and enjoy, rather than just pass through.
After grants for the Riverview area go out, the city’s next focus is on the Lafayette Boulevard and East Little Creek Road corridors.
To be eligible for consideration for a grant, applicants must attend at least one workshop.
Norfolk added two more meetings: Wednesday, August 23 at Jordan Newby Library from 5:45 to 7 p.m. and the following Wednesday, August 30 at Park Place Multipurpose Center, also from 5:45 to 7 p.m.
Applications close Friday, September 8.