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Grants given to business owners

By Dan Casciato Thursday, March 3, 2005
Seven property and business owners in the Washington Road central business district received $24,214 in grants to help offset about $164,000 in facade improvements over the next several months.

The facade grants were funded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development under the New Communities program, said commercial district manager Mame Bradley.

Facade matching grants are designed to assist with exterior rehabilitation projects on commercial structures. To receive a grant, a property or business owner had to commit at least $2 for every dollar granted. The maximum award was $5,000.

Grants were awarded to:

  • $5,000 to Miland Liptak Associates Architects, 677-681 Washington Road, for replacement of cornices and windows, and masonry repairs.

    Their private investment is $22,800.

  • $5,000 to Molly Brannigans, a new Irish-style pub expected to open this week, to help replace the exterior of the Old Towne Fair Building. The owners invested $85,000 in the project.

  • $5,000 to property owner Charles B. Mechenbier at 701 Washington Road, which houses Angie's Antique Center, Argentine Productions, Resonance Violins, SoundColor Productions, Monte's Barber Shop and Mt. Lebanon Shoe Repair, for window replacement and stucco repair. His private investment was $13,238.

  • $4,492 to Reginald Tate, owner of a piece of property at 689-693 Washington Road which includes his own business, Potomac Bakery, to replace windows and aluminum siding. His private investment was $8,984.

  • $2,240 to the property owners at 680 Washington Road, which houses a law office, dental office, textile studio and district court, to help replace glass, repaint and repair the exterior of the building. Property owners will invest $4,480 of their own funds.

  • $1,682 to You're Invited Stationery, at 690 Washington Road, for the installation of a new awning, sign and related electrical work. Their private investment was $3,364.

  • $800 to Facade-European Skin Care at 701 Washington Road for installation of two signs. Their private investment was $1,670.

    A design review panel consisting of representatives from the planning board, economic development council, historic preservation board, Washington Road Business and Professional Association and a municipal staff member were responsible for selecting projects and allocating the funds. Improvements must be completed within six months and funds will be disbursed when improvements are 50 percent complete.

    "I think this is a wonderful program because by offering financial assistance, it encourages merchants to do something about their storefront," said Sandra Kalix, the owner of You're Invited Stationery.


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