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Lealman Commercial Improvement Grant Program

The Lealman CRA Commercial Improvement Program is intended to provide matching grants to accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing non-residential sites and buildings in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
The program provides reimbursable matching grants to commercial property owners and businesses that upgrade their building façades, landscaping, lighting, loading and service areas, and other features of the exterior of their sites, and interior upgrades with a focus on projects that remedy degraded building systems and extend the economic viability of the building.

Apply here

Lealman Commercial Improvement Grant Requirements and Process

Is my business eligible? Application process
  • Commercial, industrial, mixed-use with zoning/building approvals
  • Must be able to match grant award with own investment
  • Within CRA boundaries (Joe’s Creek Industrial Park, 49th St. N., 54th Ave. N., 34th St. N., Haines Rd., 28th St. N.)
  • Owner of the property
  • Current on all property taxes, not in foreclosure, no outstanding liens or Code Enforcement violations
  • Use must be consistent with Pinellas County land development regulations
  • Has not received improvement grant in last 5 years
  • Must maintain improvements per terms of contract
  • National commercial franchises: >50% employees are residents
  • Non-profit agencies: tax-exempt
  • Healthcare providers: >1 healthcare provider with FL license
  • Submit application online
  • Submit documents as requested
  • Within 120 days of approval for grant, execute a Grant Agreement
  • Sign Grant Agreement
  • Within 90 days of signing, file Notice of Commencement
  • Within 6-18 months of signing Grant Agreement, request a Review of Completed Work
  • Inspection

Eligible Improvements

Lealman Commercial Improvement Grant Program Eligible Improvements

Eligible Interior Improvements Eligible Site (Exterior) Improvements
  • Structure stabilization (repair/replacement of foundations, footers, load-bearing walls, and roofing systems)
  • Plumbing, natural gas, and electrical systems
  • Energy efficiency improvements (window upgrades, insulation, hot water heater, HVAC systems)
  • Painting when accompanied by interior work such as installing or relocating walls, minor demolition, etc.
  • Remediation of environmental contamination on the interior of the building, including painting, such as lead, mold, or asbestos
  • Architectural and engineering fees, as well as permitting and development review fees not to exceed 10 percent of the total eligible project cost.
  • Exterior painting, re-siding, and/or cleaning
  • Masonry repairs
  • Removal of architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes and materials
  • Restoration of significant architectural details or removal of materials that cover said architectural details
  • Site improvement features such as stormwater, fencing (chain link is ineligible), parking lots, landscaping (no sod allowed, must pre-approved by Pinellas County), lighting, dumpster enclosures, and buffer walls.
  • Construction of driveway access, pedestrian, and bicycle amenities such as benches, shelters, bike racks, and bike lockers
  • Installation or repair of exterior signage, including wall, window, hanging, and monument signs advertising the business name and identity. (Reimbursement for signage expenses are limited to 25% of the grant award.)
  • Awnings and canopies installation or repair
  • Doors and windows
  • Roof repairs or replacement that attach to a new or renovated façade (i.e., painting or site improvement feature)
  • Exterior lighting attached to an existing building
  • Demolition
  • Sewer/Potable water utility upgrades and relocation.
  • Remediation of environmental contamination on the exterior site, such as lead, petroleum, or asbestos
  • Architectural, engineering, permitting, and development review fees.

 

Combining Interior and Exterior Grants Awards

Applicants may apply for one or both programs (interior and exterior); however, the maximum grant award combined between the two programs cannot exceed $40,000, and the maximum Commercial Building Interior Improvement Program matching grant cannot exceed $20,000. The table below provides examples of how the two programs can be
combined with one another.

Lealman Commercial Improvement Grant- Funds

Example Exterior Improvement Amount Example Interior Improvement Amount Example Combined Amount
$40,000 $0 $40,000
$30,000 $10,000 $40,000
$20,000 $20,000 $40,000
$10,000 $20,000 $30,000
$0 $20,000 $20,000