The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) is helping commercial property owners and tenants make exterior improvements to their properties.

The guidelines below are subject to change at any time without notice. Grant funds are subject to availability.

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Commercial properties within the Lowry Hill East neighborhood
Properties in the South Uptown, Lowry Hill, East Isles, and Whittier neighborhoods on Hennepin Avenue, Lyndale Avenue, or West Lake Street along sections of the roads that border Lowry Hill East
Recipients may be individuals or business entities, either as the owner or the tenant of the property; if the recipient is the tenant, they must have a valid lease agreement
Mixed used properties are eligible, but grant funds may only be used for improvements made to the area used for commercial purposes
All business must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State

Businesses must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Property taxes must be current.
Applicants may receive multiple grants, but the combined amount of all grants may not exceed $10,000.
All work must be completed within 120 days of closing on the grant, with exceptions available at CEE’s discretion.

Most exterior improvements are eligible, as long as they are for the commercial area of the property or are required for the operation of the business.
Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: awnings, windows, doors, sidewalks, energy efficiency improvements, insulation, lighting, and tuckpointing
One (1) bid is required from a properly licensed and registered contractor with the Minnesota Department of Labor.
When applicable, a signed City Inspections Department permit must be obtained. For projects not requiring a permit, a CEE representative will verify the project is complete.
For do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, a materials list including pricing is required. Only the purchase of materials will be considered an eligible expense, not the purchase or rental of tools or equipment. Labor cannot be compensated with grant funds, even if the laborer is a licensed contractor.