Property Improvement Program

The Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) Property Improvement Program is designed to support the reuse, renovation, and activation of existing buildings within the Highway 42 Urban Renewal Area. This program provides financial assistance for interior building improvements that help reduce vacancies, eliminate blight, and make commercial spaces more functional and attractive for today’s businesses. By investing in interior upgrades, the program helps bring new life to downtown properties and supports long-term economic vitality throughout the Urban Renewal Area.

What is this program?

The Property Improvement Program provides reimbursement-based financial assistance for eligible interior improvements to commercial buildings within Louisville’s Urban Renewal Area. The goal of the program is to encourage the redevelopment and reuse of existing structures by helping offset the costs of making interior spaces viable for new or expanding uses.

This program supports projects that:

Reduce vacancies and promote reuse of existing buildings
Eliminate or prevent blight within the Urban Renewal Area
Improve building functionality and adaptability for modern tenants
Support new business attraction and expansion downtown
Enhance the overall economic vitality and character of the community

Eligible improvements are focused on permanent interior building upgrades, including:

Tenant improvements (walls, flooring, lighting, bathrooms, layouts, fixtures, windows)
Utility upgrades or relocation (water, sewer, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grease traps/interceptors)
ADA compliance improvements (ramps, entryways, accessible bathrooms)
Structural or infrastructure improvements, including additions

This program is not intended for aesthetic-only upgrades (such as paint or wallpaper), deferred maintenance, or moveable fixtures.

Who is this program for?

This program is intended for property owners, new businesses, existing businesses, and expanding businesses located within Louisville’s Highway 42 Urban Renewal Area.

Eligible applicants must:

Be located within the Urban Renewal Area
Be registered and in good standing with the State of Colorado and the City of Louisville
Demonstrate that the project supports building reuse, activation, or improved functionality

Additional considerations:

Tenants must provide written property owner authorization if they are applying
Projects may be subject to Historic Preservation Commission review (for applicable buildings)
All required City approvals (Planning, Building, Historic Preservation, etc.) must be obtained prior to construction and reimbursement

This program is especially well-suited for:

New businesses moving into vacant or underutilized spaces
Existing businesses undertaking significant interior upgrades
Expanding businesses improving or reconfiguring their space
Property owners seeking to modernize and reposition commercial buildings

How do I apply?

The Property Improvement Program follows a structured review and approval process administered by Economic Vitality staff and the LRC.

1. Submit a complete application

Applicants must submit a full application package that includes:

Project narrative describing scope and intent
Project renderings or design concepts
Cost estimates or contractor bids
Employment impacts (if applicable)
Project timeline and schedule
Business W-9 form
Letter of authorization from property owner (if applicable)

2. Staff review and project development

City staff reviews the application for completeness and may request additional information to develop a project scope and recommendation.

Staff evaluates alignment with program goals
Additional documentation may be requested
A project recommendation is prepared for LRC consideration

3. LRC review and funding decision

The application and staff recommendation are presented to the Louisville Revitalization Commission.

The LRC reviews and considers the project
Funding levels are determined at the discretion of the Commission
Projects may be approved, modified, or denied

If denied, applicants may submit a revised proposal in the future.

4. Obtain required City approvals

Before construction begins, all required approvals must be secured, which may include Planning Department approvals, Building permits, and Historic Preservation Commission review (if applicable). No construction may begin prior to approval and execution of an agreement.

5. Complete construction and receive reimbursement

After project completion and final City approvals:

All approved interior improvements must be fully completed
Final inspections and compliance checks must be satisfied
Eligible costs are reimbursed per the approved agreement

Reimbursement summary

New and expanding businesses: 50% reimbursement up to $125,000
Existing businesses (non-relocating): 50% reimbursement up to $50,000
Enhanced incentives may be considered for extraordinary projects on a case-by-case basis

All assistance is awarded at the sole discretion of the LRC. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or funding. All projects must comply with applicable City regulations, zoning codes, building codes, and design standards, and no reimbursement is provided for work completed prior to an executed agreement.

Apply here

What is this program?

Who is this program for?

How do I apply?

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