The money was generated by a special tax district within Ybor City. This year, grants totaling roughly $100,000 are available for the façade improvements.

Three other sites recommended to receive grants are: New York New York Pizza, 1512 E. Seventh Ave.; the building that houses Czar club and Zoya lounge, 1430 E. Seventh Ave.; and the Roal building at 1517 E. Seventh Ave., which houses a Stone Soup restaurant and a retail and professional office.

The grants would pay for up to half the cost of each business' planned façade improvements. The maximum grant amount a business can receive is $50,000.

Instead of selecting only two businesses to receive $50,000 grants this year, the Ybor City Community Redevelopment Area is recommending smaller grants for the five businesses, said Vince Pardo, who manages the redevelopment area.

Another committee also must recommend the grants, and the Tampa City Council would give final approval. If that happens, the improvements likely would be completed by May 2013.

John Nertney, chief financial officer for the companies that own the Ritz building and the building housing the Czar and Zoya, said the grants would be a great help.

"My understanding of the program is they only have so much money and they're trying to spread it around to do the most good for the most people," he said. "We're grateful to get any share that makes sense for Ybor."

Among factors considered for the initial grant recommendations: which businesses are along Seventh Avenue; which produce the best returns for Ybor; which are within historic buildings; and which involve restaurants, the arts or multiple uses.

• The pizza business is planning $98,700 in improvements; façade work alone costs about $60,000, so it is seeking $30,000 from the tax district. The initial recommendation is to provide the full $30,000.

• The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave., is planning $103,200 in improvements, including roof work and replacing a tall, vertical sign above its marquee. It is seeking $50,000. The initial recommendation is to provide a $20,750 grant to replace a sign that was removed about 10 years ago due to deterioration.

• A $303,000 improvement project is planned for the building that houses the Czar and Zoya – which formerly was used by the legendary Las Novidades restaurant. The building's owners are seeking a $50,000 grant for façade work and restoration of windows. The initial recommendation is to provide $30,000 for window restoration.

• The Roal building is planning $72,189 worth of work to repair water damage and intrusion. It is seeking $36,089, but the initial recommendation is to provide $16,387.

• The Castle, 2004 N. 16th St., has structural issues and is planning $209,830 in repairs. The Castle wants $50,000 for stabilization of the structure and façade repair. The initial recommendation is to provide $10,000.

The façade program previously provided grants to Ybor City businesses including Gaspar's Grotto and the Ferlita Macaroni Factory.