Façade Renew

Small Center Engagement

In January 2013, Small Center began a partnership with NORA to launch the Façade RENEW Program, designed to spur redevelopment along historic commercial corridors in New Orleans. The 2-year pilot targeted portions of four corridors: Bayou Road, Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, St. Claude Avenue, and Alcee Fortier Boulevard. The program offered façade improvement grants for individual building owners and placemaking grants to main street associations. Clio Associates LLC worked directly with Small Center to provide 30 hours of technical design assistance for each of the grant applicants.

Façade RENEW operates as a 3:1 reimbursable grant program designed to incentivize commercial property and small business owners to revitalize their buildings. The program reimburses 75% of the total project costs for façade improvements up to $37,500 per commercial property. Façade RENEW provides an opportunity for historic preservation, as careful research is conducted into the historic and cultural heritage of each property, which in turn informs the design approach. Improvements range from painting, exterior repairs, lighting, and signage to complete storefront rehabilitations.

Partner Organization

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) is a catalyst for the revitalization of the city, partnering in strategic developments that celebrate the city’s neighborhoods and honor its traditions. NORA’s work addresses three core community needs: affordable housing, commercial revitalization, and land stewardship.

Outcome

This 2-year pilot program included an investment of over $1.5M toward revitalization of these commercial corridors. The program surpassed its participation goals and NORA is currently seeking additional funds to offer the grants to other key historic corridors. In addition, placemaking grants supported initiatives along Alcee Fortier Boulevard in New Orleans East and at the intersection of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Central City.

Collaborators

Clio Associates LLC

• Beth Jacob (Design Lead)
• Gabrielle Begue

New Orleans Redevelopment Authority

• Melissa Lee
• Gionne Jourdan
• JaLeesa Sims-Smith

Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants and Business Association

• Linda Pompa

Broad Community Connections

• Jeff Schwartz

St Claude Main Street

• Dawne Massey

Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation

• Tuan Nguyen
• Tap Bui

Historic District Landmarks Commission