The City of Maysville's investment of $115,000 to its facade improvements program is getting a big bang for the buck.
Earlier this year, city commissioners approved the funds for properties in the downtown Maysville historic and renaissance districts, and the Washington historic and renaissance district.
Initially, downtown was allocated $50,000 for improvements and Washington received $30,000 for improvements. An additional $25,000 was added to the downtown facade program in August, because of the number of applicants.
Established about 10 years ago, the Renaissance Facade program provides a 50/50 match to property owners who make improvements to the facade(s) of their buildings. Certain restrictions apply for the match, with a cap on how much will be matched by the city versus the overall cost of the project.
The most recent round of facade money has provided a 50/50 match of expenses up to $5,000 per property.
Matt Wallingford, renaissance director, said the projects taking place in both areas of the city include new paint, new windows, brick tuck-pointing, and store front replacement to resemble the building's original look. He said the investment in downtown has reached $227,000 by property owners.
Twenty-two applications have been approved for the downtown district and two have been approved for the Washington district. Wallingford said more applications are pending approval for properties in the Washington district. The Maysville fund has reached its maximum allocation for projects.
Properties familiar to residents getting spruced up include: the former site of the Toggery clothing story at 53 West Third Street, which has been purchased and will become an art gallery in 2015; a row house at 13 West Third Street which is part of Mechanics Row; the Maysville Players are refurbishing the upper story windows of the Washington Opera House; the steeple at the First Presbyterian Church will be painted; the Christian Bookstore at 49 West Second Street will have improvements; and St. Patrick Church.
Several private residences are also getting a fresh coat of paint through the program.
In Washington, improvements are being made to Haven's Chapel; the log cabin post office; and a log cabin housing an accounting practice.
Wallingford said his office is pleased with the way the program is going in downtown and encourages property owners in Washington to submit applications to his office for review.
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