Ten businesses to get facade makeovers

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  Ten businesses will be receiving 2013 Commercial Facade Grants. The awardees will receive $202,691 from the City and have pledged to contribute almost $850,000 in private investment to make improvements on their properties.

“Our Commercial Façade Grant program is making a dramatic impact on the appearance of commercial corridors in the heart of our city,” Mayor Henry said at a news conference at the Quimby Village site, one of the awardees. "This program has provided the boost our local business owners have needed to improve the appearance of their buildings and provide a more welcoming atmosphere for customers.”

The Quimby Village Revitalization Project on Bluffton Road will receive a $40,000 grant. Rick Kinney, owner of Even Keel Event Productions, will be making spending another $150,000 to improve the area. He plans to open a performing arts center, art gallery and recording studio. There are also plans for available retail space, office space and space for a restaurant.

“I can’t say enough about the City’s Façade Grant and Brownfield programs,” said Kinney. “The expertise and funding is giving me the jump start I need to get this project going and turn  Quimby Village and the Clyde Theater into something really special.”

Mayor Henry started the grant program in 2008 as part of a commitment to help local businesses thrive and expand. It's designed to help business owners with exterior improvement to their properties.

Grant applicants are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match in order to be eligible for the grant. Businesses must also be within one of Fort Wayne's Economic Development Target Areas.

From 2009 to 2012, $939,092 has been awarded from the city. Fifty-five projects have been completed since the program's introduction in 2008.

The complete list of the 2013 facade grant recipients:

• Billy’s Dug Out, 3401 Fairfield Ave.
• Born Again Quilts, 4005 S. Wayne Ave.
• Brewers’ Art Supply, 1425 Wells St.
• Fairfield Shops, 2002-2014 Fairfield Ave.
• Java Bean, 2715-2717 Broadway
• North Anthony Center, 3322-3528 N. Anthony Blvd.
• Oyster Bar, 1830 S. Calhoun St.
• Red Wood Inn, 1432-1436 W. Main St.
• Quimby Village, 1808-1810 Bluffton Rd.
• 2020 Broadway Building, 2020 Broadway