Facade Program Gets First Success Story

The town's new Downtown Façade Improvement Grant program got its first success story this month when The Cider House Studio on Main Street completed is makeover and picked up a $2,000 check from the town as reimbursement for half the cost.

Business owners Brandon and Holley Carpenter added wood-framed shutters on the second level to match and balance the existing window and dentil molding and trim to the top of the building. They also painted the front elevation of the building a light green, with the new window shutters painted a darker green. The trim was painted a cream color. A flower box was added beneath each of the front storefront windows, and a new metal mailbox was installed to the left of the storefront window.

Jeme Avent, vice-chair of the Downtown Development Association's Design Committee, said the business is setting a good example for other downtown businesses---both by doing the work and by taking advantage of the 50 percent reimbursement program.

“If it weren't for the façade grant program, this project would not likely have happened,” she said. “Although they are a new business, and don't even own the building, Holley and Brandon recognize the importance that the appearance of a building can play in the success of their business.”

The project also won the praise of Mayor Jody McLeod who said improvements such as these are “critically important” to the health of downtown. The Mayor and Councilman Bob Ahlert presented the check to the pair.