CRA approves improvement matching grants for Downtown and Cleveland Ave.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 28, 2025) – The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grants for the Downtown and Cleveland Avenue redevelopment areas.
The first grant was in the not-to exceed amount of $22,095.48 for Sunshine State Law’s property located at 2058 Cottage St. in downtown. The funds will be used for exterior patching and painting, siding replacement, window repair replacement, decking/ramp replacement, new handrails, soffit/fascia repair, landscaping, signage repair and exterior lighting.
The second grant was awarded to Fountain of Grace International Corp.’s property located at 1702/1704 Fowler St. in the not-to exceed amount of $22,334.81. The grant will be used for stucco replacement.
The final downtown grant awarded is in the not-to exceed amount of $3,075.00 for 7091 Pinnacle LLC.’s property located at 1788 Fowler St. The funds will be used towards exterior patching and painting.
The first Cleveland Avenue area to receive a grant is in the not-to exceed amount of $53,268.00 for the property at 4418 Cleveland Ave. The funds will be used for new signage doors and window replacement.
The second grant is in the not-to exceed amount of $693.75 for Dru’s West Indian Roti Shop located at 2968 Cleveland Ave. The grant will go towards sign replacement.
The CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program is a matching grant for commercial property owners and businesses within Fort Myers redevelopment areas. The maximum potential grant available for a project in Tier I is 75 percent of the total eligible expenditure, with a maximum award of $50,000. The Fort Myers CRA has offered commercial preservation incentives/ grant programs since 2010 and grant awards are based on the availability of funds.
More information on the CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program can be found at https://www.fortmyerscra.com/incentives/commercial-property-improvement-matching-grant.
ABOUT THE FORT MYERS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)
Since 1984, the CRA has managed redevelopment trusts to revitalize blighted areas in the City of Fort Myers. This reinvestment can take the form of public infrastructure, residential and commercial grant programs, public arts, affordable housing development, safety initiatives and historic preservation.
If left under-resourced, parts of our city risk remaining overlooked, affecting community spirit, and slowing economic growth. This lack of redevelopment doesn’t just impact current residents—it also discourages potential new businesses and families from making our city their home. Imagine a city where every neighborhood is a beacon of growth and community spirit—a place where residents enjoy sustainable, thriving spaces and businesses benefit from a vibrant economic environment. This is the future we’re creating. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency was created in 1984 by the City of Fort Myers, Florida, under Florida Statute Chapter 163. The Fort Myers City Council members, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners, oversee the Agency’s programs and policies. The Fort Myers CRA office is located at 1400 Jackson Street in the historical downtown River District.