By 1812Blockhouse
Driving along North Main Street this weekend, something attracted our attention.
The first visible signs of Downtown Mansfield, Inc. (DMI)’s new Facade Improvement Program became apparent over the last few days with new awnings installed on the historic Voegele Building.
The black and white awnings draw attention to the period storefront of the four story brick building, which dates to 1897.
This past November, Mansfield City Council appropriated $25,000 from the City’s Downtown Improvement Fund to support the program.
As described at a meeting by DMI CEO Jennifer Kime, the program is envisioned to take place over the next four years, during which ten or so grants would be given annually. There would be two cycles, and two types of recipients — small businesses and larger investors. Match amounts would be adjusted for each. Only one grant per building would be allowed each year.
Other funding sources were being sought, and the net result would be improvements to 40 to 50 building facades, and public and private investment totalling approximately $600,000.
1812Blockhouse was out and about on Saturday, and paid a visit to the Voegele Building to take a few photos for our readers. We will be highlighting additional facade renovations when they take place.
Photos: 1812Blockhouse
