Councilman Grannis Named Main Street Champ

The Downtown Development Association (DDA) has named Town Councilman Michael Grannis the town's "Main Street Champion" for 2010.

Grannis, who owns Clayton Steakhouse and with wife Betsy owns the Morning Glory Inn, has made "a significant contribution" to the success of downtown, the Association said in awarding the honor.

"It's really for Betsy and me, because we do things together," Grannis said. "We're very committed to downtown. We want very much to see it revitalized, and we realize that we still have a lot of work to do."

As a town councilman, Grannis has been instrumental in town government's efforts to assist in the revitalization process. He won his second term of office last year and was named the Council's Mayor Pro Tem.

"We love it here," he said. "We love the community, and we love the people."

Main Street Jewelers, owned by Ed and Debi Austermuehle, was named "Outstanding Downtown Business" for 2010.

The store, open since 2006, has "a demonstrated reputation for excellent customer service and consistency," the Association said. "The Austermuehle’s have also shown devotion to downtown Clayton, participating in downtown events and with groups throughout Clayton." The jewelry showroom was upgraded recently, along with new paint on the outside, a new awning and new lighting.

Here is a list of the other winners:

2010 DDA Volunteer of the Year: Lorraine Perri

Perri has served on the DDA Promotion Committee since 2007 and was instrumental in the development and promotion of the Christmas Village/Tree Lighting event, which she co-chairs this year. She also organizes the DDA merchandise tent and coordinates volunteers for the tent during the Downtown Concert Series in the summer.

2010 Outstanding New Downtown Business: Lucky Chicken Peruvian Restaurant

Betty Ortiz opened Lucky Chicken Peruvian Restaurant at 226 E Main Street in 2008. "The small eatery has developed a devoted following from as far as Chapel Hill and Durham," the Association said in presenting the award. A very positive food review in the News & Observer newspaper earlier in the year has helped to bring additional recognition and customers to the restaurant--and to downtown. Ortiz has participated in special events such as Millstock, the Harvest Festival and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.

2010 Outstanding Downtown Staff Person: Dorothy Harris, Main Street Jewelers

Harris, who received several nominations for the award, is known for "excellent customer service", the Association said. "Mrs. Harris is also a great ambassador for downtown Clayton, has a strong sense of the Clayton community and has a great sense of humor."

2010 Best Façade Improvement Over $10,000: 126 E Main Street

Total façade costs were just over $10,000 and contributed to the overall redevelopment of a building that had been vacant and unused for many years. One business was retained in downtown when Zoom-In Photography relocated its studio to this building, and a new business was created when Studio Bleu Salon moved in as the primary tenant. Owned by Doris V. Parker, the building is a contributing structure in the Historic District. Façade improvements included:
· Replacement of the aluminum canopy with a canvas awning
· Windows were replaced with original size insulated clear glass
· Front wall was re-painted Ashley Gray and trim was painted black
· Black, wrought-iron flowerboxes were installed in front

2010 Best Façade Improvement Under $10,000: 424 E Main Street

The home of Olde Town Supply, owned by Joe Fox, the project helped retain a business and brought vibrancy to the building, which is owned by Doris V. Parker. Façade improvements included:
· Removal of the pole-supported canopy
· Upper cornice was repaired and replaced and extended above the doors and western side of the building
· The front, west façade, and east facing wall was repainted a brick color with white trim
· Gutters were also installed to keep rainwater from draining onto the sidewalk