Are you a commercial or mixed-use building owner on the East Side seeking renovations? The East Side Building Fund is a $10 million fund that aims to assist in the community-driven revitalization of mixed-use neighborhood business districts in East Buffalo. Those eligible could receive from $100,000 to $2 million in capital grants for targeted building and associated site improvements, depending on the eligible track. These improvements could include stabilization measures, facade renovations and interior building upgrades to commercial and mixed-use buildings.
The fund offers grants through two targeted tracks: Small Projects and Anchors.
East Side Small Projects funding is intended to provide grants covering up to 90 percent of total project costs for building renovations such as stabilization-related activities, exterior facade and storefront renovations, interior renovations, and/or selected site improvements for commercial or mixed-use buildings. Building owners can receive up to a maximum of $400,000 in funding from Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc., the local program administrator.
East Side Anchor funding is intended for projects that are larger in size and scope. Building owners can receive grants that reimburse up to 50 percent of total project costs, up to a maximum of $2 million in funding from Empire State Development (ESD) to support a stand-alone, single site, “shovel ready” renovation/rehabilitation project.
The building must be a commercial or mixed-use property (commercial space and residential space) located on Buffalo’s East Side. For the purposes of the East Side Building Fund, the East Side is defined as 17 square miles, bounded by the University at Buffalo (UB) to the north; Main Street and Michigan Avenue (excluding the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and Central Business District) to the west; I-190 and the Buffalo River to the south; and the City line to the east.
See the East Side eligible geography map and the preferred target areas.
Applicants must demonstrate ownership of all buildings/real estate considered part of the proposed project. Buildings must be privately owned.
For a full list of eligibility criteria please review the Small Projects Program Guidance.
Applications for the East Side Building Fund are currently closed. Any questions about the East Side Building Fund should be submitted in writing via email to info@eastsidebuildingfund.org with the subject line: East Side Building Fund.