City Commission approves Streatery Improvement Grant program

City Commission approves Streatery Improvement Grant program

Published on August 13, 2026

The Gainesville City Commission's General Policy Committee today approved a new $500,000 grant program to help businesses and property owners make improvements that complement the city's redevelopment of The Streatery in downtown Gainesville.

The Streatery Improvement Grant program will provide up to $50,000 per business address for public-facing improvements within an area generally bounded by West University Avenue, Southwest Second Avenue, South Main Street and Southwest Second Street. The competitive program is designed to extend the impact of the city's investment in The Streatery to the surrounding district.

"The city is making a significant investment in this public space, and the program creates a new opportunity for the properties around it," said GCRA Director Rick Smith. "When everything improves together, we get people spending more time downtown and supporting the businesses that make the district successful."

The city is currently transforming Southwest First Avenue between South Main Street and Southwest Second Street into a curbless, pedestrian-oriented corridor designed to accommodate outdoor dining, festivals, markets and community events. The $4.5 million project includes brick pavers, decorative lighting, landscaping and seating as well as upgrades to underground infrastructure. Construction began in April and is expected to be completed this fall.

Through the new program, adjacent businesses will have the opportunity to apply for grants aimed at enhancing storefronts, signage, windows and doors; exterior painting and masonry work; landscaping and planters; outdoor dining furniture and awnings; exterior lighting and utilities; and accessibility features. Grant awards will cover 100% of the first $15,000 in eligible project costs, with a 50% match on additional costs and a $50,000 maximum award for projects that accrue $85,000 in eligible expenditures.

Eligible improvements completed between March 1, 2026, and the program's launch date also may qualify for reimbursement. Grant recipients and their property owners will be required to execute a 10-year forgivable mortgage so the improvements stay with the property.

"A successful downtown gives people reasons to come and reasons to stay," said interim City Manager Andrew Persons. "The Streatery is designed to make walking easier, create better places to gather and support more activity at the street level. This grant program helps us carry that same approach into the surrounding blocks and continue implementing the vision laid out in the city's Downtown Strategic Plan."

City leaders hope this new support will attract additional private investment, bringing with it an even more vibrant downtown experience for residents, visitors and businesses.

The Streatery Improvement Grant program is funded by the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) as part of development plans for The Streatery. The GCRA is a 10-year program (2019-2029) that is funded by the City of Gainesville and Alachua County.

The program is expected to launch in Fall 2026. Applications will be accepted through a single competitive round, with the deadline announced after City Commission approval. All applications received by the deadline will be scored and ranked together. Applications will be evaluated based on factors including proximity to The Streatery, visual impact, outdoor activation, project readiness, private investment and accessibility improvements.

Business owners interested in learning more can email [email protected], call 352-393-8200 or visit the GCRA Grants page on the city website.

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