The Downtown Façade and Building Stabilization Program offers a three-year, interest-free deferred loan for façade and/or building stabilization improvements to existing properties within the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area ("Downtown CRA"). The Program, which was approved by the CRA on July 30, 2012, provides assistance with costs related to exterior physical improvements throughout the entire Downtown CRA, as well as building stabilization improvements within the Parramore Heritage Area of the Downtown CRA. The Program offers matching funds to off-set the costs of eligible improvements.

Real Thread, Inc. leases a property located at 400B Pittman Street and has applied for assistance under the Program for both façade and building stabilization improvements, including parking area improvements, installation of a new wood entry deck, reworking of existing canopies, installation of new HVAC units, exterior cleaning and painting, and installation of entryway glass and doors.

The Program provides an opportunity for the CRA to reimburse up to 50 percent of the project cost, based upon the lowest estimate, but not to exceed $40,000, for eligible properties making both façade and building stabilization improvements to commercial buildings within the Parramore Heritage Area of the Downtown Orlando CRA. The owner's capital investment for all building improvements is estimated at over $350,000.00. After obtaining three quotes for eligible improvements based on current Program guidelines, the lowest bid came in at $105,968, thus they are eligible for funding assistance up to $40,000.

The Downtown Façade Grant Review Committee convened on February 3, 2014 and made a recommendation of approval for funding assistance of up to $40,000 toward the proposed improvements at 400B Pittman Street.