The CRA's Current Initiatives include:

Retail Storefront Façade Improvement Program

Enlivening Public Spaces - CRA Events

Retail Storefront Facace Improvement Program

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of City of Pensacola is pleased to announce that guidelines and applications (pdf download below) are available for the Façade Improvement Program targeted for ground floor retail storefronts. The Retail Storefront Façade Improvement Program is part of an overall redevelopment program to improve the quality of life in the downtown area of the City of Pensacola.

The Program is designed to assist property and business owners rehabilitating the facades of ground floor retail storefronts to create a positive visual impact, stimulate private investment, and complement other community revitalization efforts. Participants are eligible to receive a rebate in the form of a loan, forgivable over a five (5) year period, for rehabilitation purposes upon the completion of their Project. Participants may receive a rebate of one dollar ($1.00) for every three dollars ($3.00) spent on the Project up to the maximum rebate amounts starting at $20,000.

Maximum rebate limits are detailed in the program guidelines and may be higher for targeted areas and designated historic properties. In addition, Participants are eligible for up to ten (10) hours of design assistance/architectural services at no charge to help with planning their Projects.

Significant guidelines and criteria apply as outlined in the PDF below. Funds are limited and will be awarded to qualifying projects in the order in which completed applications are received.

Download PDF:  Retail Storefront Facade Improvement Programe Guidelines & Application   

Enlivening Public Spaces - CRA Events

The promotion of land uses and activities which generate a 24 hour a day population is one of the Overall Redevelopment Objectives identified in the Urban Core CRA Plan. In 2007 Pensacola’s newest waterfront park (Plaza de Luna) opened to the public and joined other Downtown parks filling unique roles in our community, contributing to the quality and viability of the downtown area.  These events serve as an economic development tool that help stimulate additional economic activity in downtown retail shops, restaurants, entertainment establishments and hotels.

Check out these exciting CRA events:

Sunsets at Plaza de Luna (Thursdays, April - October)

Palafox Market (Saturdays, May - September)

Family Flicks (Third Fridays, May - August, 2009)

Pelican Drop (TM) - Downtown Countdown (December 31)