Facade Improvement Grant Program

Revitalizing Neighborhoods.
Supporting Small Businesses.
Preserving and Restoring Lancaster’s Character.

→ 126 projects completed
→ $1.3M in grants awarded
→ $2M+ in improvements leveraged

*We’ll review your property and let you know if you’re eligible to apply.

Transform Your Building. Strengthen Your Block.

Lancaster City Alliance offers matching grants to help property owners restore their buildings’ classic Lancaster character, historic façades, enhance curb appeal, and strengthen Lancaster’s neighborhoods and commercial districts.

How The Program Works:

A clear, step-by-step process designed to support property owners from inquiry through project completion.

STEP 1

Check Eligibility & Submit Inquiry

Property owners confirm their location is eligible and submit a grant inquiry form to describe their proposed project.

STEP 2

Inquiry Review & Project Site Visit

Lancaster City Alliance reviews the inquiry form and, if the project aligns with the program, follows up with the property owner to schedule a site visit and discuss potential scope-of-work, goals, and eligibility.

STEP 3

Project Scope & Construction Estimates

LCA works with the property owner to refine the project scope and gather construction estimates for qualified improvements.

STEP 4

Grant Agreement & Match Collection

Once the scope and costs are mutually agreed upon, the property owner signs a grant agreement commiting to the implementation of approved work and payment of required matching funds.

STEP 5

Project Implementation & Payment of Grant Funds

After the owner’s match is collected, work moves forward. Grant funds are paid directly to the contractor or paid as a reimbursement to the property owner upon completion of the project.

Grant Funding for Street-Facing Improvements

Supporting historically appropriate exterior improvements through a 1:1 matching grant program.

About the Facade Improvement Grant Program:

The Façade Improvement Grant Program provides property owners in key commercial corridors and partner-supported neighborhoods, such as SoWe, with financial assistance for exterior improvements.

Whether restoring a historic storefront or revitalizing a homes exterior, the program helps enhance architectural character, strengthen neighborhood identity and pride, and improve the overall streetscape.

The program is administered by Lancaster City Alliance in alignment with Building on Strength, the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Lancaster.

Guidelines:

Properties must be located within designated commercial hubs, corridors or partner-supported neighborhoods.
All improvements must be historically appropriate, street facing and contribute positively to the streetscape.
Projects must comply with City of Lancaster building codes permitting processes, zoning regulations, and Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) guidelines, if applicable.
Grant funds may only be used for approved exterior improvements.

Lancaster City Alliance works with property owners to ensure projects meet program standards and regulatory requirements.

Awards:

Up to $5,000 per property
Up to $10,000 for corner properties

Grant awards are provided as a matching contribution toward eligible exterior improvements.

Award amounts are determined based on project scope, impact, and alignment with program goals and additonal funds may be available to support high-impact projects at the discretion of Lancaster City Alliance.

Matching Requirements:

A 1:1 matching contribution is required and funds must be collected by Lancaster City Alliance before approved work begins.

Example: For a $5,000 grant award on a $10,000 project, the property owner contributes $5,000.
Any project costs exceeding the approved grant amount are the responsibility of the property owner.
Only 10% match required for qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners (≤80% of Lancaster County AMI, verified via most recent federal tax return)

Eligible Work:

Grant funding may be used for street-facing exterior improvements that enhance historic character, safety, and curb appeal including:

Repair or replacement of doors, windows and framing
Restoration of architectural or historic details
Repair or replacement of porches, columns, steps, railings, and storefront elements
Brick repointing or masonry repair (including paint or stucco/formstone removal)
Exterior cleaning and repainting (historically appropriate colors required)
Architectural and entry porch lighting installations
Storefront rehabilitation and accessibility improvements
Repair, replacement, or removal of awnings
Gutter and downspout system upgrades
Complementary streetscape improvements, including city approved street trees, fencing and gates.

Disbursement of Funds & Oversight:

Lancaster City Alliance oversees approved projects and coordinates payment of grant funds.

Matching funds are collected prior to commencement of work.
Grant funds are paid directly to contractors or reimbursed to the property owner upon project completion, based on preference of property owner.
All work must be completed as approved as per grant agreement.

Our team provides guidance throughout the process, including coordination with contractors, permitting support, and compliance review.

Contact:

Have questions or need support with the process?
We’re happy to help. Call us at (717)-696-6206 or email us
directly at enhance@teamlanc.org

Program Target Areas / Eligible Geographics

Is your property located in an eligible zone?

The Façade Improvement Grant supports exterior improvements to properties located within designated Commercial Hubs & Corridors, as identified in Building on Strength—the City of Lancaster’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, managed by Lancaster City Alliance.

The interactive map below highlights these eligible areas and can be used to determine whether your property meets the location requirement for the program. Location eligibility is a required first step; additional program criteria, project scope, and application requirements must also be met.

Before & After Project Gallery

Examples of completed façade improvement projects supported through the program.

Before

123 West Main St.

After

123 West Main St.

Before

123 West Main St.

After

123 West Main St.

Before

123 West Main St.

After

123 West Main St.

Funding & Program Partners

The Facade Improvement Grant Program is supported by public and
philanthropic partners committed to Lancaster’s neighborhoods.

Ready to get Started?

Let’s confirm if your property qualifies before you begin a full application.