CEDC makes 24th award under façade grant program

One of Clarendon’s newest businesses is the recipient of the latest façade grant from the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation.

The Buckin’ Bean, located at US 287 and Parks Street, received a check for $542.50 to help with the cost of signage for the new establishment.

Owners Chris and Monica Childers erected a new building next to the Family Dollar and opened for business just a few weeks ago, serving lattes, espresso, cappuccino, drip coffee, and flavored teas. The Bean serves both hot and cold beverages and a limited food menu also.

Mr. Childers said he and his wife first learned of the façade grant program during a Small Business Seminar hosted by Herring Bank last year. He also said that Jody Berry of Signs Plus had also encouraged them to apply for the funds.

“We’ve been on a tight budget, so the grant was very helpful,” he said.

The Buckin’ Bean is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Since the Façade Grant Program began in 2008, the CEDC has awarded $30,382.04 to property owners in Clarendon. The Façade Grant Program provides 50-50 matching grants, up to a maximum of $2,000 per project, which could be any of a wide variety of projects, such as a coat of paint, new signage, sidewalk improvements, or a complete rehabilitation of a storefront.

The program grants awards to eligible properties located in the city’s entire Central Business District and on the US 287 corridor. Property owners interested in Façade Grant funds must get approval from the CEDC board before beginning their projects.

For more information or to apply for a grant, stop by the Clarendon Visitor Center.