The most recent award from the CEDC was for improvements to the building now occupied by Ronna’s Creations at 315 S. Kearney, and the total awarded was $685.65.
Property owner San Thompson had previously received a façade grant for a building
next door and was therefore aware of the program when he began the process of constructing a new awning and repainting last December.
“I think anyone who doesn’t take advantage of [the façade grant program] is crazy,” Thompson said. “You improve your building, the CEDC pays for half of it, and it makes a better place for the merchant.”
Ronna Newman, who rents Thompson’s building for the boutique she has operated since December, says she thinks the improvements have helped the building.
“It looks good and makes it stand out,” Newman said.
The CEDC has budgeted $10,000 for this fiscal year’s Façade Grant Program, which provides fifty-fifty matching grants up to a maximum of $2,000 per project for properties on a three-block stretch of Kearney Street. Projects eligible for consideration could be anything from a coat of paint to new signage to a complete rehabilitation of a storefront.
This fiscal year ends September 30, 2011, and the CEDC Board may consider changes to the program before renewing it for next year.
Those interested in the grants are asked to apply prior to beginning a project, and applications are available from CEDC Secretary Roger Estlack at The Clarendon Enterprise.
Since the Façade Grant Program began in 2008, the CEDC has awarded $11,099.80.
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