Houston Downtown Redevelopment Authority Facade Improvement Grant
Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA) / Downtown Houston+
Up to $250,000
Houston TIRZ facade grants up to $250K
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #3)-funded facade improvement grants of up to $250,000 for property owners and tenants with buildings within the boundaries of Downtown Houston's TIRZ #3. Designed to permanently enhance building exteriors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and as a lasting investment in downtown revitalization. Spring 2026 cycle deadline was May 11, 2026. The DRA runs recurring semi-annual cycles.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $250,000
- Realistic amount
- Project-dependent — smaller facade scopes receive $25,000–$100,000. Large historic building facade restorations may appr…
- Deadline
- Spring 2026 cycle deadline: May 11, 2026 (closed). Semi-annual cycles — next cycle expected Fall 2026.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- TX
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Property must be within the TIRZ #3 boundaries in Downtown Houston (verify using the DRA's map at downtownhouston.org)
- Eligible applicants include property owners and commercial tenants (with property owner consent)
- Improvements must be permanent and enhance the building facade visible from public rights-of-way
- Improvements must not be temporary enhancements or easily removable
- Projects must increase economic activity and street-level vibrancy — purely cosmetic improvements with no economic benefit may not qualify
Hard requirements
- Location restriction: Within TIRZ #3 boundaries in Downtown Houston
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Permanent facade restoration and renovation
- Historic building facade repair and enhancement
- New storefront windows and glazing
- Exterior masonry repair and cleaning
- New commercial signage permanently affixed to the building
- Facade lighting systems
- Awnings and canopies (permanent)
- ADA accessibility improvements to building entries
Ineligible expenses
- Temporary or non-permanent improvements
- Interior improvements
- Movable equipment or furniture
- Properties outside TIRZ #3 boundaries
- Work begun before grant award
- Thrive Storefront Grant program expenses (separate DRA program for ground-level retail)
How to apply
-
1
Verify TIRZ #3 location and monitor next cycle opening
Confirm your property is within TIRZ #3 boundaries using the map at downtownhouston.org. The Spring 2026 cycle has closed (May 11 deadline). Contact Marlon Connley at mconnley@downtownhouston.org to be notified when the Fall 2026 cycle opens.
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2
Develop a facade improvement plan and obtain contractor estimates
Prepare architectural plans and contractor bids for your proposed facade improvements. The DRA requires evidence of permanent improvements — restore historic elements, replace cladding, add storefront lighting, new windows, masonry repair. Have a project narrative explaining economic benefit.
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3
Complete and submit the DRA grant application
During the open cycle window, complete the grant application via the DRA's online form (Monday.com platform). Include property information, improvement plans, contractor estimates, matching funds documentation, and a project narrative.
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4
Receive DRA review and award
DRA reviews applications and issues awards. Review typically takes 4–6 weeks after the cycle closes. Awarded projects must begin within a defined period and use approved contractors.
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5
Complete improvements and submit for reimbursement
After completing and paying for all improvements, submit paid contractor invoices and before/after photos for reimbursement. DRA disburses the grant amount within 4–6 weeks of a complete submission.
The DRA also offers the Alfresco Grant (up to $15,000 for outdoor dining/seating) with more frequent deadlines (biweekly in spring months). If your facade grant application isn't ready, Alfresco is a faster path to DRA funding.
Deadline & timing
DRA runs semi-annual Facade Improvement Grant cycles (Spring and Fall). The Spring 2026 cycle deadline was May 11, 2026. The Fall 2026 cycle is expected to open late summer/early fall 2026. Contact Economic Development Manager Marlon Connley at Downtown Houston+ to be notified of the next cycle opening.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.