Commercial Facade Improvement Loan Program

Dress your business for success, and we’ll help foot the bill.

We’re making it easier for you than ever before.

Portsmouth is putting a new face on the Olde Towne Shopping district, a new face to attract new customers and new investors. And, a new face to greet the valued trade that has already discovered the convenience and charm of shopping in Olde Towne.

You may be eligible for a low-interest loan to dress your business for greater success through the Commercial Façade Improvement Loan Program offered by the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Loan Program Facts

The minimum loan available is $5,000. The maximum is $50,000. You are allowed up to $50 per square foot of façade area.

The interest rate is Prime minus 2.0%.

The loan term is 10 years.

The only administrative cost is a 1% loan origination fee. You may include the fee as part of the loan.

Prior to closing, you must obtain a Downtown D-1 Design Committee Certificate of Compliance.

Commercial Façade Loan Program District

The program area corresponds with the Downtown D-1 zoning district, as pictured.

Eligible Participants

You may be eligible for a Commercial Façade Loan if you are a present or future owner of an existing commercial or mixed-use structure within the loan program district. New construction activities are not eligible for this program.

For more information and application information, please use the links above.