Resources

Storefront Improvement

LEDC’s financing, training, and technical assistance are accompanied by our more specialized services of commercial façade improvement, which we are targeting to those business districts experiencing redevelopment. LEDC has revitalized over 30 small business façades and by winter of 2008 will complete an additional 25 facades as part of our mid-14th Street, NW revitalization. The business and property owners who have participated in the projects contributed at least 20% of their total renovation cost.  Improvements included new signage, storefront windows, painting, architectural restoration and abatement of blighting influences such as external riot screens.

The goal of facade projects is to improve the physical appearance of largely Latino business corridors, making them more attractive to shoppers and new investment, thus increasing wealth and employment opportunities for the community. In addition to physical improvements, LEDC provides specialized consulting geared toward the distinct needs of a corridor’s businesses in the face of oncoming competition with national retailers.