City to spruce up FW businesses

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Mayor Tom Henry announced the 13 recipients for the second annual Commercial Façade grants on Wednesday. The city’s $260,000 in matching fund could result in close to $1 million of private investment throughout Fort Wayne.

The program requires a minimum of a dollar-for-dollar match for exterior improvements to businesses in Economic Development Target Areas, with a total investment of $1.2 million.

Mayor Henry said, “The program is building on the success of last year’s recipients. This is a competitive process, and we have high-quality projects with great visibility.”

The projects, with grants ranging from $2,300 to $40,000, will be done this year. Community Development staff are evaluating the selected projects using best practices for neighborhood-friendly aesthetics plus identifying any cost efficiencies to maximize the investment.

CFG Grant Recipients include:
-AK Distribution
-The Philmore on Broadway
-Mad Anthony Brewing Co.
-Jamison Meats
-Little Burma Asian Grocery
-Acme Bar
-Intrascape
-Well’s Street Discount
-Air Source One
-J. Beers
-Lutheran Life Village
-Pam Michel Design Services

The City will reimburse grant recipients after the work is finished.