York Road Storefront Improvements

In 2022, the Neighborhood Design Center shared exciting design concepts created by our volunteers to support small businesses along York Road.

With support from the York Road Initiative and the York Road Partnership, four local businesses—Family Food Market, That’s Real Deal Jamaican Cuisine, Roma Little Italy, and the Shoppi on the Corner—have completed facade improvements that are already brightening the corridor and inviting more customers inside.

A Broad Effort to Uplift Community Anchors

These enhancements are part of a broader effort to uplift small, neighborhood-serving businesses that have long been community anchors. Business owners worked closely with NDC volunteer designers Charlston Britton and Abigail Bauman to reimagine their storefronts.

While some color palettes and details shifted during implementation, the completed projects reflect the original vision of creating welcoming, vibrant, and lasting improvements.

For longtime shop owners like Mr. Jamil of Family Food Market, the project represents more than a fresh coat of paint—it’s an investment in the neighborhood he has served for nearly two decades. And for newcomers like That’s Real Deal Jamaican Cuisine, whose jerk chicken has quickly become a local favorite, the improvements help attract new customers and strengthen their presence along York Road.

A Multi-Year Partnership

This work builds on a multi-year partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the York Road Initiative at Loyola University Maryland, and the York Road Partnership, with support from Councilmember Mark Conway’s office and Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO).

Together, these efforts continue to highlight what’s possible when communities, businesses, and design expertise come together.

Interested in improving your storefront?

If you’re a small business owner looking to upgrade your facade, funding opportunities are available to help offset costs:

Additional opportunities may also be available through:

The transformation of these storefronts shows the power of design in supporting local businesses and strengthening community identity. We’re excited to see what’s next for York Road and beyond!