Storefront Improvement + Façade Rebate Program

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and SSA #31’s Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program encourages local small businesses and property owners to improve the physical appearance of their storefronts

By providing local businesses and property owners financial assistance, these programs improve the appearances of the neighborhood buildings, resulting in increased attractiveness, business retention and marketability.

Before and After

Façade Rebate Program

One of the storefront improvement programs that we offer is the Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program. This program encourages local small businesses and property owners to improve the physical appearance of their storefronts. By improving the physical appearance of storefronts, the program strengthens Ravenswood’s standing as a commercial destination for shoppers from across the city. This funding assists local small business owners looking to upgrade, preserve or restore their storefronts while also aiding those who would not otherwise be able to complete aesthetically beneficial projects.

Program Eligibility

Businesses interested in the Facade Rebate program must be within the published SSA #31 boundaries. Eligible projects can receive a rebate of up to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum rebate of $5,000.

Download the Façade Rebate Program application (PDF).

Application Process & Requirements

To apply for the Façade Rebate Program, you must complete the application form. Once completed, the application is reviewed by the SSA Commission. If the application has been approved, you will be notified with an approval letter. Construction should be complete within 180 days of the issuance of the permit. After the project is complete, you must notify the SSA of its completion. We will then issue you the rebate!

Please Note:

  • Applications for the program are considered in the order they are received until all available funds have ben distributed for that fiscal year.
  • Prior to beginning construction, you must receive an approval letter from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. If you begin work on the project without written approval, you will not be eligible for the program. 
  • Rebates are given only after all work has been approved, completed and paid for, and all documentation has been received by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.
  • All proposed improvements must meet the design guidelines set forth in facade rebate program document and are subject to review and approval by the SSA #31’s commission.

Façade Rebate Application Prep-List

  • A completed application form, including the Summary of Costs Estimates and signed statement of understanding
  • $50 non-refundable application fee (credit card, check, or money order)
  • Photographs of the existing building and the proposed project area
  • Detailed plans and specifications for the proposed project
  • Detailed cost estimates from at least three contractors for each improvement task
  • Owner’s deed and tenant’s lease, if applicable
  • Current lien report policy showing the property is free of liens (except mortgage liens)
  • Certificate of Good Standings from the state of Illinois
  • Any applicable permits form the city
  • Written consent from and contact information for the property owner, if the applicant is not the owner.

Storefront Improvements In Action

Past Façade Rebates Issued

2023: $5,950+ awarded

  • Bold Ventures
    1448 W Montrose Ave
  • Haitian American Museum of Chicago
    4410 N Clark St

2022: $1,650+ awarded

  • Mindful Baking Cafe
    1942 W Montrose Ave

2021: $5,300+

  • KOVAL Distillery
    4241 N Ravenswood Ave
  • O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
    4557 N Ravenswood Ave
  • Pick Me Up Cafe
    4882 N Clark St

2020: $9,000+ awarded

  • Beyond Design
    4515 N Ravenswood Ave
  • Dollop Coffee Co.
    1636 W Montrose Ave

2018: $15,000+ awarded

  • Foremost Cleaners/Hayes Properties
    4701 N Damen Ave
  • Ravensgoods/Hayes Properties
    4703 N Damen Ave
  • Ravenswood Nail Party
    1716 W Lawrence Ave
  • T Salon/Hayes Properties
    4705 N Damen Ave

2017: $6,635+ awarded

  • Spoken Cafe
    1812 W Montrose Ave
  • Suvarna Chiropractic
    1827 W Montrose Ave

2016: $5,975+ awarded

  • Anna’s Asian Grill & Sushi
    1804 W Irving Park Rd
  • Empirical Brewery
    1801 W Foster Ave
  • Kinetic Lofts
    4846 N Clark St

2015: $9,650+ awarded

  • Band of Bohemia
    4710 N Ravenswood Ave
  • Japanese American Service Committee
    4427 N Clark St
  • Michael Hart
  • Salon Elan Vital
    4737 N Damen Ave

2014: $6,050+ awarded

  • Brew Camp
    4639 N Damen Ave
  • Dolce Casa Cafe
    4947 N Damen Ave
  • Noktivo
    4831 N Damen Ave
  • Tuan B/Naturally Yours Events
    1946 W Montrose Ave

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