Euclid’s Storefront Renovation Program: Funding Economic Growth

The City of Euclid’s Storefront Renovation program provided partial funding for renovations of commercial buildings on E.200th Street (top photo) and E.185th Street (bottom photo).

For over thirty years, the Euclid Department of Planning & Development’s Storefront Renovation Program has provided grants to renovate retail, commercial, and industrial properties located in the City of Euclid.

One of the more recent Storefront Renovation Program projects involved the building at 524 East 200th Street, purchased in 2016 by developer Michael Gatto of the Gatto Group. This was his first project in Euclid and he is currently looking for an established retail tenant. The building is approximately 1200 sf and almost completely rebuilt - from new HVAC and electrical systems to new windows and doors, the later partially funded by the City of Euclid.

Another recent project proved to be a great collaboration with the City of Euclid and Northeast Shores Development Corporation at 625-627 East 185th Street. The building owner, Northeast Shores, applied on behalf of two tenants - Shore Carpet and Resurrection Cycle. Since the time of the application, Resurrection Cycle has relocated and Little Giants – a new business to Euclid -  is expected to begin leasing the newly renovated space this spring.

The renovation included the removal of wood siding to reveal the original brick façade, new exterior lighting and sign panels. The biggest change is the installation of new storefront windows which allow Shore Carpet to display their merchandise and attract buyers.  The cost of the project so far is approximately $135, 000 (of which Euclid contributed $50,000). Northeast Shores continues to invest to update the roof and HVAC system.

The Program uses Community Development Block Grant Funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to stimulate exterior building renovations and improve the overall appearance of the City by making grants to Program participants. The grant reimbursements are generally 50% of the total cost of eligible improvement expenses, up to $25,000. The Program requires participants to obtain the services of a Design Professional to prepare and submit detailed construction drawings to the City for review and approval.

Both projects are in Councilman Kristian Jarosz’s Ward 4. He remarked, "The City's Storefront Renovation Program is a great way to help provide properties a much needed facelift and is an important component in revitalizing our core retail and commercial districts."  

For more information of the Storefront Renovation Program and other Business Incentives, please call Marty Castelletti at 216-289-8141.

Allison Lukacsy-Love

Allison Lukacsy-Love is the Community Projects Manager at the City of Euclid. You can reach her at (216) 289-8160 or by email at alukacsy@cityofeuclid.com

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Volume 8, Issue 3, Posted 4:01 PM, 03.09.2017