SL4B Commercial Revitalization Grant

Interested applicants are highly encouraged to start compiling the required application documents and meet with program staff prior to submitting an application. To request a meeting with program staff, please email Redevelopment@sugarlandtx.gov.

PURPOSE
The Retail Refresh Grant is a reimbursement-based grant offered by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation (SL4B) to help improve aging commercial properties in Sugar Land. The program provides incentives for experiential retail, innovative and market-driven concepts, and infill development on underutilized sites. Reimbursement grants are available for owners of commercial center properties as well as prospective retail businesses.

GRANT DETAILS
The grant is available for both commercial center or individual retail improvement projects.

Commercial center improvement projects: available incentives up to 20% of the project's total cost.
Individual retailer improvement projects: available incentives up to 30% of the project's total cost, up to $75,000. Projects must include experiential retail, innovative, market-driven concepts, and/or infill development on underutilized sites. Incentive amounts are subject to the Board’s discretion. Incentives can be greater than $75K for exemplary projects with a substantial economic impact

Projects must be approved by the SL4B Board of Directors prior to starting, and applicants are required to enter into a performance agreement. The minimum investment and grant funding amounts for qualifying projects will be determined by the Board on a project-by-project basis and will be negotiated with the Applicant. Funding is limited and will be awarded based on availability.

PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES

Applicants are encouraged to submit a project proposal that accomplishes two or more of the following preferred development outcomes:

Modernize Building Facades: Improvements should modernize building facades by transforming existing urban landscapes into contemporary and visually appealing environments that are attractive to new commercial and retail tenants.
Create Public Spaces: Improvements should incorporate placemaking elements that contribute to a distinct visual identity, such as unique outdoor seating areas, plazas, pocket parks, parklets and/or open communal spaces.
Promote Walkability: Improvements should prioritize pedestrian-friendly design by promoting safer walkability of commercial areas. Implementing new sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or plazas to link various commercial uses to parking zones and/or other surrounding uses is ideal. (See example on Page 65 of the City’s Land Use Plan)
Enhance Parking Infrastructure: Revitalize parking lots across the City, transforming neglected spaces into well-maintained, safe, and functional assets for the community. Parking lot improvements should be transformative and create inviting environments through resurfacing, lighting improvements, landscaping enhancement, pedestrian walkways, and more.
Stimulate a Substantial Economic Impact: Project proposals should showcase a significant community transformation. Targeted investments in key areas should generate substantial and long-lasting economic benefits.
Supporting foundational retail infrastructure in key opportunity sites: Promote the development and redevelopment of commercial properties by supporting key infrastructure improvements that enable the launch of new retail businesses in areas identified for redevelopment—particularly experiential retail, new concepts that address identified retail market gaps, and infill development on underutilized sites.
Innovate with Transformative Public Projects that the City has not seen before

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis. Funding is limited and awarded subject to availability. Applicants are encouraged to start compiling the required application documents and meet with program staff prior to submitting an application. To request a meeting with program staff, please email Redevelopment@sugarlandtx.gov.

Your Name (Primary Point of Contact)*

Organization*

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number *

Please enter a valid phone number.

Organization Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Commercial Center Name*

Physical Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Do you have an outstanding code violation with the City of Sugar Land?*

Are you the owner of the property you are applying for?*

How long have you owned this property?*

Project Title *

Detailed Project Description / Scope of Work*

In the description, please identify as much information as you can about the proposed project and the intended results. Your project description and attachments should provide clear details about the scope of the improvement project(s)

Proposed Construction Start Date*

Estimated Completion Date*

Estimated Total Cost of Proposed Project*

Describe how you plan to pay for or finance this project.*

Estimated Square Footage of the Project*

How many tenants/commercial spaces be impacted?*

What tenants are directly within the project area?*

Describe the impact of your project. More specifically, please explain in detail how your proposed improvements will support multiple businesses, create/retain new jobs, and benefit the surrounding community.*

Describe how this proposed project will accomplish at least two of the program's preferred development outcomes (outlined above).*

Project Cost *

	$ Amount	% of Total Cost
Amount Requested from the SL4B (up to 20%)
Your Organization's Contribution
Estimated Total Project Cost (=100%)

Please upload the following supporting documentation:

Site plans that include clear photos and/or renderings of the proposed project (Required)
Clear color photos and/or renderings of the current project location (Required)
Work Estimates/Quotes showing the total cost of the project (Required)
Financial documents that show your organization's financial ability to fund your share of the project costs (Required)
A copy of the property deed to confirm ownership of the property (Required)
A copy of the property tax bill to confirm that taxes are current (Required)
Proof that the property is covered by a valid commercial insurance policy (Required)

Any additional documentation not listed that the applicant can provide to strengthen the application is recommended.

Supporting Documentation

By submitting this grant application, the undersigned hereby certifies and understands the following:

I hereby declare that the information provided is true and correct. I acknowledge the City may request additional information and/or documentation about this proposed project.

I also understand that not all properties and/or projects meeting the eligibility requirements of the program will be able to receive reimbursement grants. Eligibility and awards under this program will be determined by the City of Sugar Land and/or Sugar Land 4B Corporation in its sole discretion. I understand that grant awards will be determined by the City of Sugar Land and/or Sugar Land 4B Corporation and can be up to 20% of a project’s total reimbursable project cost.

I understand that work on a Qualifying Project must both start and be fully completed after a project agreement is signed with the City, or the project will be wholly disqualified. I understand that my project will require approval by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation and the execution of a performance agreement which is required prior to starting. I understand that projects started prior to a project agreement being signed and a receiving notice to proceed from the City will not be reimbursed.

I understand that I will be required to give to the City an unrestricted right to use, for any lawful purpose, any photographs or video footage taken of the Qualifying Project, owned by the Owner and to which Owner has the authority to grant such permission, and to use Owner’s name in connection therewith if the City chooses. I consent to allowing the City to display temporary signage at the project location indicating participation in the Program.

I understand that all projects must adhere to applicable deed restrictions and restrictive covenants. I will be solely responsible for obtaining any HOA/POA approvals needed for a project. I understand that the approved project must be in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

I understand that after work has been completed on a Qualifying Project, I must submit a complete reimbursement package to the City in order to receive the incentive. If the reimbursement package is not complete, the City will have no obligation to pay the Reimbursement Incentive. I also understand that I will need to obtain all necessary permits related to a project in order to be reimbursed.

I understand that any reimbursements received through this program will be considered income and may be taxable by the IRS.

Your Name

Signature

APPLICANT INFORMATION

PROPERTY INFORMATION

PROJECT INFORMATION

Acknowledgement