ReStore Boston helps neighborhood business and property owners with storefront improvements. The current program is based on the highly successful ReStore initiative on Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury. This nationally acclaimed revitalization project is now a citywide storefront improvement program offered through the Office of Business Development. Since its inception, ReStore Boston has provided professional design services to over 160 businesses and completed 80 storefront improvement projects.

Across the city, improvements to storefronts are making businesses and districts more attractive and inviting and, in turn, attracting new customers and businesses. Business owners often see an increase in sales. Storefront improvements also help landlords rent their vacant or difficult-to-rent properties.

ReStore Boston helps complete storefront renovations with projects ranging from the simple, such as new signage, to the more complex, such as complete reconstruction. Improvements may include:

• Restoration of exterior finishes/materials
• Repair or replacement of storefront windows and/or doors
• New signage
• Building and sign lighting
• Installation of alarm systems
• Removal of roll-down grills
• Installation of awnings
• General repairs

As a condition of the funding requirements, all projects are required to remove solid, roll-down security grates or, at a minimum, convert them to the interior open-mesh type.

How Does ReStore Boston Work?
Restore Boston provides matching loans and grants (up to $7,000 per storefront) to help neighborhood business and property owners complete storefront renovation projects. All loans and grants must meet eligibility criteria. In addition to funding, ReStore Boston provides professional architectural design services at no cost to the business to ensure improvements are well planned and of the highest quality.


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To apply for the ReStore Boston program, a building or business owner submits an application to the Office of Business Development. Once a selection committee has determined eligibility, the building or business owner meets with project management and design staff who will help the owner decide what physical improvements he or she would like to make.

Call the Office of Business Development today to request a copy of Commercial District Design Guidelines and to learn more about how we can help you improve your storefront.
The Office of Business Development is Boston's Business Resource. The Office provides businesses and neighborhood districts access to a range of financial and technical resources.

For more information on these resources, as well as publications to help your business grow, please contact us.