Downtown Austin Alliance Façade Improvement Grant
Downtown Austin Alliance
$6,000–$15,000 per tiered award (plus $2,000 for architectural design services if required)
Pilot matching-reimbursement façade grant up to $15,000 (plus $2,000 design) for downtown Austin corridors; rolling applications.
A pilot FY2025-2026 matching-reimbursement grant for exterior façade improvements along two downtown Austin commercial corridors: Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and the I-35 frontage road, and Red River Street between Sixth and Twelfth Streets (with half-block cross streets eligible). The program offers three tiered award levels and prioritizes shovel-ready, high-impact projects that respect the corridor's historic character. Property owners and business tenants may apply; work cannot begin before a grant agreement is executed.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $6,000 – $17,000
- Realistic amount
- $6,000 (Tier 1 no-permit), $10,000 (Tier 2 limited), or $15,000 (Tier 3 architectural); plus $2,000 design for Tier 2/3 projects
- Deadline
- Round II window closed October 8, 2026; no further round announced
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- TX
Who qualifies
- Own or lease a property on an eligible Sixth Street or Red River Street corridor segment
- Property must contribute to the Austin Downtown Public Improvement District (DPID) through ad valorem tax payments and be current
- Property must be structurally sound with roof intact and meet basic public safety codes
- Any active business must be permitted by the city, follow codes, have current licensing, and be current on sales tax
- Work cannot begin before grant approval and agreement execution
Who is not eligible
- Properties fully exempt from City of Austin property taxes
- Properties not located on the designated corridor segments
- Businesses not current on City of Austin taxes, licensing, or sales tax
- Projects that have already started construction before grant approval
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Professional design and permit fees
- Materials, equipment, exterior furniture and fixtures
- Contracted labor for eligible façade work
- Sign repair/replacement, painting, masonry repointing, awnings
- Window/door refurbishment or replacement
- Exterior lighting and architectural restoration
Ineligible expenses
- Roof improvements
- MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) improvements
- Interior work
- Property acquisition
- Working capital
How to apply
-
1
Review corridor eligibility and tier guidelines
Confirm the property address is on Sixth Street (Congress to I-35) or Red River Street (Sixth to Twelfth), plus applicable half-block cross streets. Decide whether the project fits Tier 1 (no-permit quick wins), Tier 2 (limited façade improvements), or Tier 3 (architectural improvements).
~1 hrs
-
2
Prepare conceptual plans and contractor estimates
Develop a narrative or drawn description of proposed improvements and obtain detailed contractor estimates. If applying as a tenant, secure written property-owner consent.
~4 hrs
-
3
Complete the online intake form
Submit the program application with required attachments: photos of current façade, W-9, proof of insurance, proof of ownership or tenant consent, and proof of funding for the total project cost.
~2 hrs
-
4
Enter into grant agreement before work begins
If selected, execute an agreement with the Downtown Austin Alliance. No work may start until the agreement is signed.
~30 min
-
5
Complete improvements and request reimbursement
Secure permits, complete the work, and submit proof of payment (canceled checks, lien releases) and completion verification for reimbursement.
~2 hrs
Tier 1 'no-permit' projects are the fastest path to funding and are prioritized for shovel-ready work; submit clear before/after photos and a concise visual-impact narrative to stand out in the rolling review.
Deadline & timing
Pilot FY2025-2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by Downtown Austin Alliance staff; awards made as funding remains available.
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Required documents
- Completed program application
- Conceptual design plans or narrative scope description
- Detailed contractor estimate(s)
- Written consent from property owner (if applicant is a tenant)
- Proof of ownership (if applicant is building owner)
- Proof of current insurance
- IRS Form W-9
- Photos of current façade conditions
- Proof of funding for total project cost (bank statement or letter)
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