Retail Tenant Improvement Fund

Retail Tenant Improvement Fund is sponsored by City of New Rochelle. With the goal of revitalizing Downtown, this grant program aims to attract and retain businesses that will contribute to the area's vibrancy.

Retail Tenant Improvement Fund - Ideally Yours | New Rochelle NY Down Payment Assistance Program Retail Tenant Improvement Fund Certified Diverse (MWBE) or Local Supplier Program Artist Certification Program Down Payment Assistance Program Retail Tenant Improvement Fund Certified Diverse (MWBE) or Local Supplier Program Artist Certification Program Retail Tenant Improvement Fund Meet the 2025 Retail Tenant Improvement Fund Recipients!

A fan-favorite escape room experience will relocate from 466 Main Street into a raw, vacant space that will be completely reimagined. With funding for architectural services, new lighting, and interior finishing, Hour to Exit is set to deliver an upgraded, immersive adventure for residents and visitors alike.

A cherished coffee hub and community anchor will optimize their current space to host more evening programming, arts events, and social gatherings — enhancing its role as a cultural connector in the heart of Downtown. This health and wellness destination has relocated from 466 Main Street to a new space designed for growth.

With support for new furniture, fixtures, and modern equipment, Touch D will elevate its services and ambiance to offer a fresh take on personal care and rejuvenation. The Lincoln Park Conservancy History & Cultural Center This long-awaited vital center for Black history and heritage is finally coming to life.

The grant funds will enhance this space with a podcast studio, flexible seating, a ceiling-mounted lighting grid, and updated furnishings — expanding its ability to educate, engage, and inspire.

A modern culinary gem will come to life with the addition of a vibrant outdoor beer garden, transforming the new restaurant’s exterior into a welcoming space for community gathering, outdoor dining, and cultural celebration at the core of the Downtown.

This new fast-casual restaurant will receive support to fit out its raw space with brand-new furniture and equipment throughout the kitchen, front-of-house, and dining area — delivering a new dining experience to the Downtown. Roc N’ Ramen is a longstanding local eatery in New Rochelle, known for its unique blend of Asian and Caribbean cuisine. Its plans focus on continued service and strengthened neighborhood presence.

V&M Sherman DDS PC is relocating to 165 Huguenot from 466 Main St, New Rochelle, NY. Led by Drs. Michael and Victoria Sherman, the clinic offers general and cosmetic dentistry, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, extractions, and implants.

Wallsmark Inc. enhances interior and exterior spaces through innovative wall décor and architectural finishes. With a focus on quality and versatility, Wallsmark helps transform spaces into refined, design-forward environments. As the property owners of New Roc City, New Roc Associates LP continues to invest in the growth and revitalization of Downtown New Rochelle.

Through strategic capital improvements, the firm is supporting the build-out of the upcoming Hour to Exit entertainment space. Jolo’s Kitchen (est. 2008) is a popular vegan restaurant and venue known for its Caribbean plant-based cuisine, fresh juices, and patties.

With funds to renovate their kitchen and event space, Jolo’s will continue to host more community events and offer a healthy dining option to downtown visitors. Pickle Rage New Rochelle operates an indoor pickleball facility designed for year-round play, featuring high-quality courts, leagues, clinics, lessons, and tournaments in a community-focused environment.

The concept is open to the public, with memberships offering perks such as priority reservations and reduced court costs. Ray’s Empanadas Food Truck is known for its quick yet high-quality, savory, and delicious food all in one empanada bite. From our famous oxtail empanadas to our Bang Bang shrimp empanada taco or French toast hot chocolate – everything is guaranteed to be made with love.

The Self Studio is an open-plan boutique studio with infrared heating for yoga, meditation, sound baths, and holistic workshops, featuring a small retail area with wellness essentials and locally sourced goods. Graze Craze is a restaurant and catering brand specializing in artful, customizable charcuterie boards and grazing tables. Community-driven menu expands with items like sandwiches and smoothies based on local preferences.

Matthew Di Gesu, owner of New Rochelle’s Pizzeria La Rosa, is the latest Retail Tenant Improvement Fund awardee. His new concept at 72 Centre Avenue will feature a daytime café and nighttime bar, bringing added vibrancy and activation to the Downtown Vanguard District. The Downtown Retail Strategy for New Rochelle aims to transform the city’s downtown area into a vibrant, economically thriving destination.

Key components of the strategy include enhancements to public spaces, retail improvements, regulatory updates, and a tenant improvement program designed to support new and existing businesses. The initiative also features a comprehensive marketing campaign to elevate New Rochelle’s profile as a must-visit destination. The City of New Rochelle is directing $2.

25M into the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund, a key initiative designed to provide crucial financial support for physical improvements, expansion, and relocation costs to current and aspiring retail businesses looking to occupy vacant spaces, or property owners with their efforts to fill out vacant spaces within New Rochelle’s Downtown area.

With the goal of revitalizing Downtown, this grant program aims to attract and retain businesses that will contribute to the area’s vibrancy. Through a rigorous application process, grants will be tailored to align with each business’s plan, prioritizing those with the potential to make the most significant impact on the Downtown community.

Award Amount: up to $250,000 per applicant Matching Requirement: 50% (e.g., $50,000 match for $100,000 grant award) Applicants must be new or existing retail business tenants AND/OR property owners in partnership with a prospective tenant. Properties/spaces must be within the Downtown area in the City of New Rochelle. Applicants with new businesses must provide evidence of relevant experience in their proposed field of operation.

Applicants must demonstrate one or more of the following as a commitment to business growth and sustainability: Retainability of existing jobs A viable business plan/growth plan Other indicators based on justification Applicants must be able to match 50% of the awarded grant amount in one of the following formats: Other format based on justification Must be invested in the space in New Rochelle The matching funds must be used before utilizing the grant funds, and they must directly relate to the total project cost being requested.

Applicants must not be delinquent on real or personal property taxes. Applicants must be in good standing with all City of New Rochelle codes and regulations (i.e., no violations of Zoning, Building, or Fire Codes, etc.). Applicants must provide a lease agreement or Letter of Intent for a minimum of 5 years.

New Rochelle Retail Tenant Improvement Fund awards can only be used for buildout costs.

Eligible activities/expenses may include, but not be limited to: Building renovation, addition, and rehabilitation Property owners can only use awarded funds for capital expenditures that will facilitate tenancy Other activities and business expenses such as furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) justified through the business plan or growth plan Project Readiness: The business or property owner can verify that matching funds are available and can clearly articulate the use of this grant.

Economic Impact: Activities funded through this grant can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and job retention within the City of New Rochelle. Growth Potential: The applicant can demonstrate the potential to grow and sustain the business or leverage the investment from a financial standpoint. Business Viability: The applicant presents a viable business model that suits business growth and the market environment.

Strategic Significance: The proposed activities and project components compliment the City’s strategic economic development goals. Equity: The applicant demonstrates a substantial ownership stake in the business or venture, indicating a strong personal financial commitment. A higher ownership percentage reflects greater dedication and alignment with the project's success.

Step 1: Submit online pre-application form Step 2: Pre-application form is reviewed to determine eligibility Step 3: If eligible, you will be invited to fill out formal application and to provide supporting documentation for review based on selection criteria and a review and recommendation by Financial Consultant to determine appropriate award amount Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Property owners with multiple vacant storefronts can apply for a grant for each empty property in partnership with prospective tenants. Explore our development map Interested in learning more about new developments within New Rochelle? Then checkout our interactive development map for more details of our ever-evolving skyline.

Rose on Main Presentation – Virtual – English August 4 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Rose on Main Presentation – Virtual – English Make owning a home in New Rochelle a reality! 🔑Learn about Rose on Main, an affordable housing opportunity in the heart of the Downtown at this info session:🗓️ Tuesday, August ...

Down Payment Assistance Program Information Session at Generations Church August 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Down Payment Assistance Program Information Session at Generations Church If you are a first-time homebuyer seeking to purchase a home within the City of New Rochelle, you may be eligible for the City’s First-Time Home Buyer’s Down Payment Assistance ...

Down Payment Assistance Program Info Session | In-Person | English/Spanish August 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Down Payment Assistance Program Info Session | In-Person | English/Spanish If you are a first-time homebuyer seeking to purchase a home within the City of New Rochelle, you may be eligible for the City’s First-Time Home Buyer’s Down Payment Assistance ...

Down Payment Assistance Program Info Session | In-Person | English/Spanish August 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Down Payment Assistance Program Info Session | In-Person | English/Spanish If you are a first-time homebuyer seeking to purchase a home within the City of New Rochelle, you may be eligible for the City’s First-Time Home Buyer’s Down Payment Assistance ... There are no events on this day. There are no events on this day.

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August 4 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Rose on Main Presentation – Virtual – English There are no events on this day. August 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Down Payment Assistance Program Information Session at Generations Church There are no events on this day. There are no events on this day.

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August 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Down Payment Assistance Program Info Session | In-Person | English/Spanish August 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Down Payment Assistance Program Info Session | In-Person | English/Spanish There are no events on this day. There are no events on this day. There are no events on this day.

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