About eight people have inquired about Woodstock Downtown Development Authority's Fa ade Improvement Program, DDA Executive Director Billy Peppers said.
The DDA's program offers owners a matching grant of as much as $5,000 for renovating storefronts. It has set aside $20,000 in hotel and motel tax proceeds to fund the project this fiscal year.
Owners of buildings along Main Street between Hot Dog Heaven at Towne Lake Parkway and Herb Priest Furnishings just past Oak Street, may apply for the grants.
To be eligible for the funds, the proposed fa ade changes must be approved by a DDA committee and be put out to bid.
"It's a great opportunity (for them) to invest back into their buildings," Peppers said.
The City of Canton launched its fa ade improvement program last week.
The Main Street Program has been awarded $10,000 by Canton Tourism, Inc. for the Historic Downtown Canton Fa ade Grant Program. The Main Street board will match a grant of as much as $2,500 for a downtown property owner's fa ade renovation.
The purpose of the program is to restore and improve the historic architecture of commercial buildings in the city's downtown district, said Ginger Garrard, director of the city's Main Street Program.
Owners may apply and tenants also may apply with the written consent of the building's owner.
Ms. Garrard said fa ade improvements include sign enhancements, new awnings, painting, cleaning up brick work and installing new doors and windows.
The renovations must adhere as close as possible to each building's historic architectural design.
Ms. Garrard said she's encouraging downtown commercial building owners to sign up for the grant.
"It's (more) bang for your buck," she said.
Holly Springs Mayor Tim Downing said the city has a program in place to encourage storefront improvements.
The city government, he said, reimburses business owners for a portion of the total cost if a fa ade is restored to its historic condition.
The cities of Waleska and Ball Ground do not have similar programs in place.
Ball Ground City Manager Eric Wilmarth said officials have talked about an initiative to partner with business owners on such renovations, but nothing has been finalized.
Fa ade improvement programs not only "improve pride in downtown," Peppers said, but also show residents a city government is committed to historic preservation and reinvesting in downtown.
"It's an opportunity to show that we are making positive advancement in downtown," he said.
Post a Comment