Façade Improvement Loans

Facade Loan Boundary

This program is available for physical improvements to façades within the Urban Renewal District, prioritizing properties along our Great Streets: 8th Ave, Willamette St, Broadway, as well as properties facing the Park Blocks. The intent is to enhance the pedestrian realm along these streets and increase the visual appeal of building façades for all people in the right-of-way.


The program is also designed to be attractive to property owners: It is a loan offered at 0% interest that would be due only when the building changes ownership (at least 50% change in ownership). See below for more details.

Awnings

We encourage business owners to consider awnings for their facade renovation, where appropriate. Throughout Eugene's history, awnings have had widespread use and great appeal. Awnings permit window-shopping on rainy days, provide shade during the summer months, and protect window displays from harsh sunlight.  With a wide range of color and pattern choices, owners could select an awning that complements the building and get both style and function in a relatively affordable package.

Eligible Projects 

The program is designed to enhance the visual appearance of the downtown core, particularly along 8th, Willamette, Broadway and the Park Blocks. The guiding criteria to determine eligibility is that the improvements must be clearly visible from the right-of-way. There is no minimum loan amount. Examples of improvement projects eligible to use the program include:

Basic cosmetic work, such as painting, cleaning, repair, or replacement of:

  • Awnings
  • Cornices  
  • Decorative details  
  • Doors 
  • Entrances  
  • Windows 
  • Gutters and downspouts

Installation of:  

  • On-site business signage 
  • Gutters and downspouts 
  • Awnings 
  • Fixed landscaping 
  • Fixed exterior lighting

Ineligible Projects 

The program is intended to improve the downtown experience for all. Therefore, the funds cannot be used for improvements that would not be seen by the general public in the right-of-way. Examples of ineligible projects include the following:

 

  • Interior furnishings
  • Interior lit signs, or interior window coverings 
  • Non-permanent fixtures 
  • Business / personal property, equipment and supplies 
  • Structural repairs 
  • Security systems 
  • Working capital 
  • Roof reconstruction 
  • Financing of inventory  
  • Financing of building acquisition
  • Refinancing existing debt  
  • Sidewalks and paving 
  • Billboards

Contact Us

  1. Aaron Doreen


    Business Loan Analyst
    99 W 10th Ave
    Eugene, OR 97401
    Ph: 541-682-5448
    Fx: 541-682-5572
    Email