First 16 Feet

First 16 Feet Matching Fund

In 2024, the West Village Association launched a First 16 Feet Matching Grant Fund to encourage district businesses and properties to improve the first 16 feet of their building.

The first 16 feet extending from a building out and up is important for district vitality to help:

Show personality, culture, and care
Transition between public and private domains
Establish where to focus the energy
Guide people’s eye and create visual memory
Help people understand the district

Read more about the First 16 Feet concept from Yard & Co., a design-build studio for places.

Grant Program Summary

West Village’s First 16 Feet Grant Program provides recipients with a matching grant (up to $2,500) for eligible projects. The grants are awarded by a selection committee, and the 2026 grant program budget is $10,000. Projects must be completed by July 31, 2026.

Deadline to apply extended to February 27, 2026.

Grant Program Criteria

Eligible projects are substantial, leave-behind improvements that include:

Semi-permanent or permanent outdoor seating
Pedestrian scale exterior lighting (patio lights, building lights)
Shade improvements (awnings, umbrellas)
Planters and planter boxes (must include maintenance plan)
*Applicant will seek guidance from agricultural vendors to ensure all planters and plant materials are appropriate for successful growth in Oklahoma’s climate
Other exterior improvements that bring color, texture and wayfinding to the district

Application Criteria

Applicant owns a business or property within the West Village BID boundaries
*Priority will be given to applicants in the designated red area below
Applicant intends to keep the improvement for a minimum of two years. A lease excerpt or abstract must be included with application.
Project improvements must be permitted by the City of Oklahoma City
Applicant is matching at least 50% of the cost of the overall project budget
Proposed project has property owner approval

DEADLINE TO COMPLETE PROJECT – JULY 31

First 16 Feet Grant Application

Extended – February 27, 2026
Application deadline for completed application and support materials emailed to karen@downtownokc.com
March 2026
Committee Review & Award Notification
April-June 2026
Project Implementation
July 31, 2026
Final Project Completed

For questions, please contact Karen Medina, West Village District Coordinator, at karen@downtownokc.com.

STOREFRONTS SHOULD BE INTERACTIVE

Storefront Inspiration

Craft storefronts with inviting outdoor patios equipped with flexible seating and workspaces conducive to creativity and collaboration.
Integrate natural elements and greenery to create a refreshing environment that promotes well-being and inspiration.
Create outdoor spaces to host workshops and networking events tailored to the needs of creative professionals, encouraging interaction and idea exchange in an al fresco setting.
Utilize technology to provide outdoor connectivity and amenities, enabling seamless remote work experiences.
Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to curate outdoor initiatives, fostering community engagement and contributing to the vibrancy of the neighborhood

KEEP IT INTERESTING TO INSPIRE EXPLORATION

Activation Inspiration

Encourage visual interest throughout the district so that pedestrians encounter pleasant surprises along their journey, and office workers are encouraged to use the district.
Elements such as business signage, landscaping touches, window displays, public art, and wayfinding add to the collective sense of interest that makes visitors want to continue exploring.