New Orleans Façade RENEW Plus Program (NORA)
New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA)
85% reimbursement, up to $50K per 50 linear feet
Researched for this program: 4 rejection traps · 5 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
New Orleans facade match grant
Façade RENEW Plus is a storefront improvement program run by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). Under guidelines adopted in 2025 (effective 2026), it reimburses up to 85% of eligible exterior/façade improvement costs (the applicant covers the remaining ~15% cost-share), up to a maximum award of $50,000 per 50 linear feet of eligible frontage — so wider-frontage properties can receive more than $50,000. It serves property and business owners on designated commercial corridors in New Orleans East and the Lower Ninth Ward: St. Claude Avenue (Industrial Canal to the Parish Line), Bullard Avenue, Crowder Boulevard, Downman Road, Lake Forest Boulevard, and Read Boulevard. Eligible improvements include painting, lighting, signage, historic window and door restoration, and security-bar removal. The program supports neighborhood commercial revitalization through periodic competitive rounds.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- 85% reimbursement, up to $50K per 50 linear feet
- Realistic amount
- g. ~$100,000 at ~74 feet). The applicant funds the remaining ~15% cost-share.
- Deadline
- Application window June 1, 2026 (10:00 AM) to July 1, 2026 (4:30 PM) via NORA's online portal; virtual info sessions June 3 and June 10, 2026. Periodic competitive rounds (not always-on rolling).
- Status
- active
- States
- Louisiana
- Payment model
- milestone
Who qualifies
- Property or business owner along a designated New Orleans East or Lower Ninth Ward corridor: St. Claude Avenue (Industrial Canal to Parish Line), Bullard Avenue, Crowder Boulevard, Downman Road, Lake Forest Boulevard, or Read Boulevard
- Project must be an eligible exterior/façade improvement (e.g. painting, lighting, signage, historic window/door restoration, security-bar removal)
- Owner must provide the ~15% applicant cost-share (NORA reimburses up to 85% of eligible costs, capped at $50,000 per 50 linear feet of frontage)
- Improvements must meet program design and historic guidelines where applicable
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Exterior painting
- Exterior lighting
- Signage
- Historic window and door restoration and upgrades
- Removal of security bars
- Other eligible facade improvements
Ineligible expenses
- Interior improvements unrelated to the facade
- General operating expenses
- Properties outside the designated corridors
How to apply
-
1
Confirm corridor eligibility
Verify the property sits along one of the designated corridors (portions of North Broad St, St. Bernard Ave, Basin St, or Alcee Fortier Blvd) with NORA or DevelopNOLA.
~2 hrs
-
2
Scope the facade project and budget the match
Define the facade improvements (painting, lighting, signage, historic window/door restoration, security-bar removal) and obtain contractor estimates. Plan for the owner's match share within the 3:1 structure (project cap $50,000).
~6 hrs
-
3
Submit the application to NORA
Submit the facade improvement application with project scope, estimates, ownership/lease documentation, and design materials to NORA per the current corridor application window.
~4 hrs
-
4
Complete work and receive matching funds
Upon approval, complete the approved improvements to program standards and receive the matching grant funds per the program's disbursement terms.
~3 hrs
The 3:1 match is unusually generous — your dollar is multiplied by three up to the $50,000 project cap, so a relatively small owner contribution unlocks a sizable facade upgrade. Eligibility is corridor-specific, so confirm your exact address with NORA first; many nearby blocks fall just outside the designated boundaries.
Deadline & timing
Administered by NORA for designated New Orleans East and Lower Ninth Ward corridors through periodic competitive rounds (not always-on rolling intake). The current round is open June 1, 2026 (10:00 AM) to July 1, 2026 (4:30 PM) via NORA's online portal, with virtual info sessions on June 3 and June 10, 2026. Confirm the current window and remaining corridor funding with NORA before applying.
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