Build EBR launches facade improvement program for Plank Road businesses

July 7, 2026 - 19:49

Build EBR has announced a new grant program aimed at helping small businesses and commercial property owners improve the look of their buildings along the Plank Road corridor. The initiative, called the Front Door Refresh Facade Improvement Program, is funded through the JPMorgan Chase AdvancingCities Grant. It marks the final implementation step tied to the Reimagine Plank Road Master Plan.

The program is designed to provide financial support for exterior upgrades. Eligible property owners and business tenants can apply for funds to cover costs like new paint, signage, awnings, lighting, and other visible improvements. The goal is to make the corridor more attractive to customers and visitors while boosting local economic activity.

Build EBR officials say the program targets small-scale renovations that can have an immediate impact on the street's appearance. They emphasize that the grants are not meant for major structural repairs but for cosmetic changes that create a more welcoming environment. The application process is open now, and interested parties are encouraged to submit requests early, as funding is limited. This effort is part of a broader push to revitalize Plank Road and support the businesses that anchor the community.