Dutchtown Main Streets and St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) are excited to announce $80,000 in new funding for façade improvements for Dutchtown businesses! These façade grants help to enhance the appearance of our neighborhood storefronts, attract customers, and strengthen our key commercial corridors in Greater Dutchtown.
Façade grants can be used for exterior improvements that are publicly visible from the street. This includes, but is not limited to, signage, awnings, paint, windows and doors, and more. The funds can be used for repairs, updates, and upgrades, big and small.
Who Is Eligible?
Most businesses throughout Greater Dutchtown are eligible to apply! See the map below to determine if you’re within the qualifying Greater Dutchtown footprint, which roughly spans the area from the railroad tracks on the west to the Mississippi River on the east and from Bates Street on the south to Potomac Street on the north.
Certain funds are set aside specifically for businesses on key commercial strips, including South Grand Boulevard, Chippewa Street, Virginia Avenue, and Meramec Street. Please note that businesses within the Cherokee Street Community Improvement District are not eligible.
Business owners who do not own their building are eligible; however, they must obtain written permission from the building owner for any work performed on the property in conjunction with the façade grant. Funds will be paid directly to the vendors performing the work and supplying the materials. Business owners cannot be reimbursed for previously performed work or unapproved improvements.
What Funds Are Available?
$80,000 will be divvied up into 21 grants available in the following amounts:
- Eight $1,000 grants available to businesses anywhere in Greater Dutchtown
- Two $4,000 grants for businesses anywhere in Greater Dutchtown
- Two $4,000 grants for businesses on South Grand Boulevard
- Two $4,000 grants for businesses on Virginia Avenue
- One $4,000 grant for a business on Meramec Street
- One $4,000 grant for a business on Chippewa Street
- One $8,000 grant for a business anywhere in Greater Dutchtown
- One $8,000 grant for a business on South Grand
- One $8,000 grant for a business on Virginia
- One $8,000 grant for a business on Meramec
- One $8,000 grant for a business on Chippewa
Only one grant application per business will be accepted.
Who Decides Which Grants Are Approved?
The Façade Grant Review Committee will review applications. This committee includes representatives from Dutchtown Main Streets, along with neighbors randomly selected from a pool of applicants.
While any business that meets the criteria above can potentially be selected to receive a façade grant, the committee may give additional weight to certain factors when reviewing applications. Bonus points can be awarded to proposals that contribute to the artistic and cultural landscape of Dutchtown by enhancing the landscape with publicly visible art by local artists, preserving architecturally and culturally significant buildings, or otherwise supporting the expression of Dutchtown’s identity.
When and How Can You Apply?
We’re accepting grant applications now through November 1st, 2025. The grants will be reviewed and awards will be announced by December 1st, 2025.
To apply, you will need to provide:
- A description of the proposed work
- Photos of the façade to be improved
- Your business’s annual revenue
- An explanation of how the grant will help your business financially
- An explanation of how the proposed improvements will benefit the neighborhood
If you have questions about eligibility or criteria or would like assistance with your application, drop by Dutchtown Main Streets’ office at 4219 Virginia Avenue on Tuesday or Thursday between noon and 2pm. You can also contact us at info@dutchtownstl.org or (314) 266-9696.
Ready to apply? Fill out the application here!
