Release:

Downtown Valdosta Main Street and the Central Valdosta Development Authority recently reimplemented a grant program for facade improvements in Downtown Valdosta. Per the program, downtown building owners can apply for a 50 percent match of funds put toward improving the appearance of their storefront.

Flower Gallery Owner Susan Mullis received the first grant under the new program. “It is great to be able to make these much-needed updates. The partnerships between the Main Street Office and downtown businesses owners help our stores thrive. It feels incredible to have their support,” said Mullis.

Mullis has been the owner of the Flower Gallery, located at 127 N Ashley Street, for nearly 21 years. After discussing the repairs, she needed to make to her entrance with the Main Street Office, they informed her of the facade grant program, which she quickly applied for.

Through the funds she received from the grant program, Mullis was able to repaint the entire front entrance and the awnings, repair and replace the front windows, and completely revamp their flowerbeds with new borders and plants.

The grant is not specific to retailers. Any downtown building owner can apply. However, the building owner must submit the application and approve of the requested changes to the building. “Any building owner that may want to spruce up their front entrance can apply through the CVDA. It is a matching grant, so it is 50 percent of the funds that they spend on improvements up to $2,000,” said Main Street Manager Ellen Hill. “The goal of the program is to support downtown business owners and keep Main Street looking beautiful. Applications will only be accepted from businesses operating within the Downtown limits, including Magnolia Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard and Toombs Street to Lee Street.”

Hill explains that grant programs like this are essential because the buildings in the downtown area tend to be older and hold historical value, but they can also require a lot of upkeep. “These repairs can be unexpected and pricey so, it is just important that the Central Valdosta Development Authority can help offset some of that cost, and we are happy to do it,” said Hill. The CVDA was able to raise funds for the grant program from selling a piece of property, and thus, none of the funds were supplied by taxpayer dollars.

Any downtown building owner interested in applying for the facade grant can contact Main Street Office at 229-259-3577.