Up to $1,000 may be up for grabs for downtown business owners wanting to spruce up the front of their buildings.
Main Street Columbus is taking applications for its Facade Improvement Grant Program. Grant funding can be used to pay the costs associated with labor, materials or design for painting, signage, repairs and awning work.
An owner of a commercial or mixed-use property in the 34-block downtown historic district who is a member of Main Street Columbus is eligible to apply for a grant, which could award up to $1,000.
Main Street Columbus Director Barbara Bigelow said the program is designed to revitalize Columbus’ downtown.
“All citizens benefit from a vibrant, successful downtown,” Bigelow said in a press release. “Attractive buildings help draw business, both old and new, to our downtown area. We have been developing this grant program for a while and are excited to finally be able to offer it to our property owners and merchants. One of the reasons Main Street Columbus exists is to help our members thrive and we think this program will do that.”
Main Street Columbus’ Economic Restructuring Committee will review the applications and recommend accepted ones to the Main Street Board for final approval, committee chair Jay Jordan said.
“Successful applicants will emphasize quality in design and materials and fine craftsmanship in order to preserve or bring out the unique character of the downtown’s historic buildings,” Jordan said.
Lessees of buildings in the downtown area can also apply for grants with the owner’s written consent. Proposed improvements in applications have to meet Main Street Columbus guidelines. For more information, call 328-6305.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
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