Community-Powered Storefront Transformations

The San Pedro Dr. MainStreet Facade Improvement Program is designed to help businesses and property owners enhance their storefronts through a community-driven, volunteer-supported approach.

Rather than requiring detailed project proposals or reimbursement-based grants, the program leverages the RSPP Facade Squad—a team of dedicated volunteers—to bring business owners' visions to life. By fostering collaboration between businesses, volunteers, and community partners, the program aims to create a more vibrant, welcoming, and economically resilient corridor.

The Facade Squad is a free, community-powered program that helps business and property owners along the San Pedro MainStreet corridor refresh and reimagine their storefronts—with hands-on support every step of the way.

We pair you with local design professionals and MainStreet experts to explore what’s possible. Our architect will provide technical assistance and custom design sketches tailored to your building. Even if your project isn’t selected for this round, you’ll receive drawings and recommendations you can use later.

If your project moves forward, our team—including a crew of trained volunteers—will help bring the plan to life with painting, signage, and simple improvements that make a big impact.

Together, we’re boosting curb appeal, celebrating local identity, and building a corridor that reflects the pride and potential of our community.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, businesses and property owners must meet the following requirements:

✅ Property Type – Commercial or mixed-use properties with an active ground-floor business are eligible. Residential-only properties are not eligible. 

✅ Location – The business/property must be within the designated San Pedro Dr. MainStreet corridor. 

✅ Ownership/Occupancy – Both property owners and tenants (with owner approval) may apply. 

✅ Participation Commitment – Business owners must be actively involved in the process, working alongside the RSPP Facade Squad and providing input.

Types of Improvements

The program welcomes a variety of facade enhancements based on business needs and feasibility, including: 

✔ Exterior Painting & Surface Refresh – Fresh paint, stucco repair, murals, and decorative treatments. 

✔ Signage & Branding – New or restored business signage, blade signs, and awnings. 

✔ Lighting & Visibility – Decorative and security lighting, illuminated signage, and storefront enhancements. 

✔ Windows & Entryways – Window display upgrades, door repairs, and exterior framing. 

✔ Landscaping & Outdoor Enhancements – Planters, seating, greenery, and other curb appeal elements. 

✔ Accessibility & Safety – ADA-compliant improvements, better lighting for safety, and exterior cleanup.

How It Works

💡 Idea-Based Applications – Instead of detailed project proposals, applicants will submit their ideas and dreams for improving their storefront. This could include fresh paint, signage updates, lighting enhancements, window displays, or creative exterior improvements. 

🛠️ Volunteer-Driven Implementation – Approved projects will be completed with the help of the RSPP Facade Squad, a group of skilled and community-minded volunteers. 

💰 No Reimbursement Required – Businesses will not be required to pay upfront. The program will coordinate resources, materials, and labor to execute selected projects. 

📅 Collaborative Planning – Business owners will work with the Revitalize San Pedro Partnership (RSPP) team to refine their ideas and ensure projects align with program goals and available resources.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit an Idea-Based Application

Rather than requiring detailed project proposals, the application is designed to capture ideas and dreams for how a business’s facade can be improved. The application includes:

🔹 Business & Property Information

  • Business name

  • Business address

  • Property owner (if different from business owner)

  • Contact person & preferred communication method

🔹 Vision & Goals

  • What do you want to improve about your business’s facade?

  • How do you hope these improvements will impact your business and the surrounding community?

  • Do you have any inspiration or examples of what you’d like to see? (Optional: Attach photos or sketches)

🔹 Existing Conditions

  • Are there any known issues with the facade (e.g., peeling paint, broken signage, poor lighting)?

  • Have you made any previous improvements to the building’s exterior?

🔹 Additional Considerations

  • Are there any special conditions we should be aware of? (e.g., historic preservation, structural concerns)

  • If selected, would you or your staff be available to assist with any part of the process?

🔹 (Optional) Estimated Budget

  • If you have an idea of costs for materials or work needed, please provide an estimate. (Not required)

📌 Submission Guidelines:

  • Applications must be submitted online at [insert application link] 

  • The deadline for applications is July 31st, 2025.



Step 2: Application Review & Selection

Once the application deadline has passed, a selection committee will review all submissions based on the following criteria:

✅ Alignment with Program Goals – The project contributes to the beautification and revitalization of the corridor. 

✅ Feasibility & Scope – The project is achievable within available resources and volunteer capacity. 

✅ Community & Economic Impact – Improvements will enhance the business’s presence and contribute to the overall corridor. 

✅ Diversity of Projects – A variety of projects are selected to ensure broad community impact.

📌 Selection Timeline:

  • Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt.

  • Selected applicants will be notified in August 2025.


Step 3: Planning & Coordination with the RSPP Facade Squad

🔹 Selected businesses will meet with the RSPP Facade Squad to discuss ideas in more detail. 

🔹 A work plan will be developed, identifying specific improvements and materials needed. 

🔹 A project timeline will be created, setting expectations for when work will take place.

📌 Business Owner’s Role:

  • Participate in planning discussions.

  • Provide input and approvals as needed.

  • Assist with promotion and community engagement efforts.


Step 4: Facade Improvements Begin!

🛠️ The RSPP Facade Squad will coordinate and execute the work in partnership with the business or property owner, bringing the vision to life. 

📸 Business owners are encouraged to document the transformation process for promotional purposes. 

🎉 A public unveiling or community event may be organized to celebrate the improvements.


Step 5: Program Wrap-Up & Evaluation

✅ Business owners will provide feedback on the process and its impact. 

✅ RSPP will document before-and-after photos and share success stories. 

✅ The program will evaluate outcomes to inform future rounds of facade improvements.