How It Works
Each quarter, Motor City Re-Store awards up to $500,000 in competitive matching grants to improve storefronts and upgrade commercial corridors in Detroit’s neighborhoods.
To get started, take a look at our Re-Store Program Guidelines. Business owners (and landlords) will have four opportunities to apply throughout the year.
Application Periods*
*Please note: Business owners may only apply once per round. Building owners may submit applications with multiple tenants.
If you are ready to design an exterior improvement to your storefront, apply for Track 1: Architecture and Design to work with a professional designer on your plans.
You will hire an architect from Motor City Re-Store’s list of approved architects.
Motor City Re-Store will pay for up to $10,000 in design services to get your ideas on paper. Your architect will provide signed and sealed drawings so you are ready to start to get bids for construction. You pay only a small stipend of up to 10% of the design costs.
Once you have signed and sealed construction drawings or professional quotes for all proposed improvements, you are eligible to apply for Track 2: Construction
Motor City Re-Store will provide a match to your financial investment. You choose a qualified contractor who you would like to complete the work.
Eligible project activities include:
Motor City Re-Store will reimburse you for 50% of your total project cost* with a grant up to $25,000 as work is complete.
*Businesses that apply together with 3 of their neighboring business on the same block are eligible for 75% match each.
As work is completed, the Motor City Re-Store team will approve it and disperse funds to reimburse half the cost of the work. Maximum grants are $25,000 for construction costs.
At the end of the process, awardees will have an improved storefront to attract new customers and please current clients.
