- The Gainesville City Commission approved a $500,000 grant program to fund improvements complementing The Streatery redevelopment in downtown.
- The program offers up to $50,000 per business for public-facing improvements and requires a 10-year forgivable mortgage on properties receiving grants.
The Gainesville City Commission’s General Policy Committee approved a new $500,000 grant program Thursday 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 eligible 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 intended to extend the impact of the city’s investment in The Streatery to surrounding properties and encourage additional private investment in the downtown 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 in the release. “When everything improves together, we get people spending more time downtown and supporting the businesses that make the district successful.”
The city is 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, seating and upgrades to underground infrastructure. Construction began in April and is expected to be completed this fall.
Through the new grant program, eligible businesses and property owners may seek funding for improvements including:
- Storefronts, signage, windows and doors
- Exterior painting and masonry work
- Landscaping and planters
- Outdoor dining furniture and awnings
- Exterior lighting and utilities
- Accessibility improvements
Grant awards will cover 100% of the first $15,000 in eligible project costs. Additional eligible costs will be subject to a 50% match, with a maximum grant award of $50,000 for projects with at least $85,000 in eligible expenditures.
Improvements completed between March 1, 2026, and the program’s launch date also may be eligible for reimbursement.
Grant recipients and their property owners will be required to execute a 10-year forgivable mortgage to ensure the improvements remain with the property.
“A successful downtown gives people reasons to come and reasons to stay,” said interim City Manager Andrew Persons in the release. “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 said the program is intended to encourage private investment and contribute to a more vibrant downtown experience for residents, visitors and businesses.
The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) is funding the Streatery Improvement Grant program as part of its plans to develop The Streatery. The GCRA is a 10-year program running from 2019 through 2029 and is funded by the city and Alachua County.
The program is expected to launch in fall 2026. Applications will be accepted through a single competitive round, with the application deadline to be announced following final City Commission approval.
All applications received by the deadline will be scored and ranked together. Evaluation factors will include proximity to The Streatery, visual impact, outdoor activation, project readiness, private investment and accessibility improvements.
Business owners interested in learning more can email GCRAprograms@gainesvillefl.gov, call 352-393-8200 or visit the GCRA Grants page on the city website.