The Storefront & Signage Improvement Program allows property owners or tenants to access financial resources to renovate or restore commercial storefront exteriors.
The City of Revere StoreFront and Signage Improvement Program
The City of Revere Storefront & Signage Improvement Program (SSIP), managed by the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), offers grants and loans to small businesses owners looking to upgrade, improve or replace aging storefronts and signage within the Broadway and Shirley Avenue Business Districts. Vibrant and attractive downtown or commercial business districts are fundamental in providing residents access to quality goods and services. Well-designed storefront and signage can improve consumers perceptions and experiences within a commercial district, increase foot traffic, create safer streets, and expand product diversification within the marketplace. The program is designed to enhance residents and visitors' experiences in these commercial districts and is federally funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
Financial assistance offered through the Community Development Block Grant Program may be in the form of grants or loans and may require a participant match.
The information below is provided as guidance; please do not hesitate to contact DPCD staff if you have any questions about the program or eligibility.
Who Can Apply?
Interested applicants must fall into one of two categories:
Owner of a pre-existing or Revere small business physically located on either the Broadway corridor or on Shirley Avenue; or
Owner of a property with at least one active retail storefront located on either Broadway corridor or on Shirley Avenue.
Due to current funding sources, eligibility for financial assistance is restricted to these two business districts. Expansion of the program to other areas of the city will be subject to the availability of future funding sources.
Storefront Improvement Program
Revere property owners or commercial/business tenants can access financial resources in the form of deferred loans to renovate or restore commercial building exteriors through the Storefront Improvement Program. This program works to enhance and modernize the appearance of independently owned small businesses on Shirley Avenue and Broadway.
Eligible Expenditures
Funding resources are for new work only. Work that commences prior to receipt of City approval of storefront improvement forms and authorization are grounds for denial of the application from DPCD. New work includes:
Exterior Painting
Removing inappropriate and or incompatible exteriors finishes and materials
Restoring exterior finishes and materials
Installation of safety glass
Recessing/reconfiguring of existing storefront doors and entrances to meet ADA compliance
Repairing or replacing existing storefront window systems
Exterior building signage and lighting
Repairing or replacement of existing awning
Storefront Improvement Program Guidelines & Requirements
Proposals receiving financial assistance will be required to meet guidelines including but not limited to the following:
Storefront Improvement loans require a 50% financial match of the total cost of the storefront improvements, up to a maximum of $25,000.00 by the business owner or property owner. Design costs are an eligible expense and can be included in the loan.
Storefront Improvement loans will be in the form of a deferred loan payment (balance reduced 20% per annum per year for five years) Liens against these loans for a five-year time period will be filed with the Registry of Deeds. It will be required by the business or property owner to sign a loan agreement with the City of Revere.
The proposed scope of work must be approved by DPCD program personnel prior to work commencing.
DPCD has the right to refuse any and all applications or receipts for work originating prior to a signed loan agreement, which must be accompanied by a City-issued written notice to proceed with the start date enclosed.
For projects exceeding $2,000.00, the Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Act will apply for all contracted services. Under the Davis-Bacon Act, the City will be required tomonitor and require certified payroll records of all employees working on approved projects that are funded by CDBG.
Projects within areas with special design controls or within Historic Districts must comply with those requirements related to design, color and historic preservation.
Improvements may not be altered for a period of 5 years.
All work must be completed within 6 months from the date of the Notice to Proceed Letter issued by the City of Revere.
A completed program application, drawings, three written estimates and W-9 form to DPCD.
A City of Revere Property Owner Approval Form for applicants who lease the space where the work will be performed.
Provide proof that all property owners Real Estate Tax, mortgage and water and sewer bills, are current with the City of Revere and or sub-grantees.
Signage Improvement Program
Revere property owners or commercial/business tenants can access financial resources in the form of a grant to remove and replace existing store signage through the Signage Improvement Program. This program works to enhance and modernize the appearance of independently owned small businesses on Shirley Avenue and Broadway.
Eligible Expenditures
Grants are for new work only. Work commenced prior to receipt of approval of signage improvement forms and authorization are grounds for denial of the application from DPCD. Eligible signage upgrades and replacement projects include:
Replacing aging or faded lettering
Replacing aging or worn panels
Installation of channel lettering, back lighting, gooseneck lighting, and lightboxes
New signage and lighting
Replacement of or new awning installations
Signage Improvement Program Guidelines & Requirements
Grants are for new work only. Work commenced prior to receipt of approval of signage improvement forms and authorization are grounds for denial of the application from DPCD. Eligible signage upgrades and replacement projects include:
Signage grants up to $7,500.00 are for new signage only. Signage cost exceeding the $7,500.00 grant allowance will be the responsibility of the applicant.
Signage must comply with current City of Revere Ordinances related to signage.
The proposed scope of work must be approved by DPCD program personnel prior to commencing work.
DPCD has the right to refuse any and all applications or receipts for work originating prior to a signed grant agreement, which must be accompanied by a City-issued written notice to proceed with the start date enclosed.
For projects exceeding $2,000.00, the Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Act will apply for all contracted services. Under the Davis-Bacon Act, the City will be required to monitor and require certified payroll records of all employees working on approved projects that are funded by CDBG.
Projects within areas with distinctive design controls or within Historic Districts must comply with those requirements related to design, color, and historic preservation.
Improvements may not be altered for a period of 5 years.
All work must be completed within 3 months from the date of the Notice to Proceed Letter.
A completed application, drawings, two written estimates and W-9 form to DPCD.
A completed City of Revere Property Owner Approval form if the applicant leases the space where the work will be performed.
Provide proof that all property owners Real Estate Tax, mortgage and water and sewer bills, are current with the City of Revere and or sub-grantees.
Program Disclaimers
Any changes to approved scopes of work will require new cost estimates or revised proposals be reviewed and approved by a DPCD representative for reimbursement eligibility prior to the said changes can be authorized by the business owner to the hired contractor.
The City of Revere cannot be held liable in labor or other disputes arising from work funded by this program.
DPCD personnel reserve the right to reject all Storefront and Signage Improvement Program applications based on noncompliance with City and/or Federal guidelines as outlined in the official program application and all associated contractual agreements.
Previous Work
Murray's Tavern Before
Murray's Tavern After
The Department of Planning and Community Development staff can offer assistance and referrals to applicants. For more information, John Festa can be reached at 781-286-8194 x 20318
What are the terms of the deferred loan used for the Storefront Improvement Program?
The deferred loan that is used in the SSIP is no payment loan with the balance of the loan reduced 20% per annum per year for five years. Liens against these loans for a five-year time period will be filed with the Registry of Deeds. It will be required by the business or property owner to sign a loan agreement with the City of Revere.
Does the City of Revere retain the services of signage companies on behalf of the applicant?
No, the City of Revere does not retain the services nor can they recommend a single sign company to complete the work for an applicant. However, a list of local signage companies is available upon request through the Department of Planning and Community Development.
What permits are required before a sign can be installed?
All signage dimensions and electrical specifications & certifications need to be approved by the City of Revere’s Building & Electrical Inspector prior to installation. Applicants will be required to apply for a building permit. The link above directs the applicant to Citizen Serve, the City’s online application portal.
Why would an applicant’s Storefront & Signage Improvement application be denied?
Failure to comply with the following application requirements are grounds for denial.
Application is not fully completed.
Grant agreement is not signed.
Required number of estimates have not been submitted per the Storefront and Signage Improvement guidelines.
Applicant has not received written authorization from its landlord.
Applicant is not in good standings with City of Revere’s Taxes, Water and Sewer.
Applicant does not have a current SAM.GOV Unique Employer Identification Number and W-9.
Approval from state and local building and historic commission have not been granted.
Contact Information
John Festa
Business Liason, Director, Signage and Storefront Program
