The City of New Rochelle announced the award of the first $1.12 million to the first eight recipients of its $2.25 million Retail Tenant Improvement Fund, an initiative to support space upgrades, renovations and buildouts as part of the city’s broader downtown revitalization. Awards, ranging from $40,000 to $250,000, were approved in under six months. The awardees include business owners who are new to the area and opening in vacant storefront spaces, as well as New Rochelle staples who are expanding or elevating their existing brick-and-mortar locations.
As a part of Vanguard New Rochelle — the city’s downtown retail strategy – the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund was established to enhance downtown vibrancy and bolster economic opportunity. With more than 70 applications submitted, this first round reflects strong demand from entrepreneurs and property owners alike. The program builds on the momentum of New Rochelle’s redevelopment efforts, which have delivered over 10,000 new housing units, attracted $2.5 billion in private investment and helped bring in 50 new businesses over the past five years — 29 of them since 2023, including 15 in the last year.
“With the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund, we’re not just transforming storefronts, we’re creating vibrant, welcoming destinations where people can gather for a meal, enjoy outdoor seating, attend events and truly experience the heart of our city,” said New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert. “These enhancements are helping shape a more dynamic, welcoming city center that invites discovery and connection.”
The awarded funds are anticipated to bring $2.25 million in total improvements to the downtown, yielding significant ROI for the city’s funds to revitalize the heart of the city. Grand were awarded to:
- Hour to Exit — An escape room experience will relocate from 466 Main St. into a raw, vacant space that will be completely reimagined.
- Casaroma Café — A coffee hub and community anchor will optimize its current space to host more evening programming, arts events and social gatherings, enhancing its role as a cultural connector in the heart of downtown.
- Touch D Medical Spa – The health and wellness destination has relocated from 466 Main St to a new space designed for growth.
- 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.
- Mona, Indian Eatery — The restaurant will add an outdoor beer garden, transforming the new restaurant’s exterior into a welcoming space for community gathering, outdoor dining and cultural celebration.
- Teriyaki Madness — 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.
- Roc N Ramen – The local staple will optimize its kitchen and seating area to better serve its growing customer base, boosting operational efficiency and creating a more welcoming environment for diners.
- Monarch Reserve – This new female, minority, disabled veteran-owned cannabis dispensary will offer a high-end customer retail experience with a sleek interior design including polished floors, lush greenery, energy-efficient LED lighting and a renovated second floor that will house a boutique consumption café — the first of its kind in the area.
In addition to the Tenant Improvement Fund, the program encompasses the creation of the Vanguard District to provide new opportunities for businesses to operate within the downtown, sweeping streetscape beautification and safety improvements, and retail enhancements through pop-ups and storefront revitalization.
