The Downtown Association of Yakima is calling the 2021 Façade Improvement Grant Program a big success.
The latest recipient of a grant is the Opera House Building
The program has helped improve the storefronts of a number of businesses. The latest project happened at the Opera House Building at 25 North Front Street over the past year. A press release say the owner, Nancy Rayner received $10,000 to assist in the repair and enhancement of the brickwork that adorns supporting pillars and the west and south facing façade of her building. DAY officials say the project cost was $55,000 with $10,000 coming from the grant program. The project also includes painting of the facade.
The Director of DAY says the improvements lead to for development downtown
“This is why this program is so important,” says DAY Executive Director, Andrew Holt. “It sparks larger investment which in turn assists in economic development. Since the project was approved, we have seen a new business, SEWN, move into the store front on Front Street, a back shop has been rented for storage, and there is a new tattoo shop in the south facing store front. Is this growth directly related to the façade improvement? I would not be so bold as to say that, but we know that it has increased the appeal of being in the building, and certainly is a major factor.” Holt says the program has been working to improve downtown businesses since 2015 and has given over $75,000 to 9 different businesses.
If you own a business in downtown Yakima you can apply for help
The annual grant program provided by DAY is a 50/50 matching grant with the money solely for the purpose of improving a façade.
If you own a downtown business the application period runs from February 1 to the end of March with the award announcement at the beginning of May.
Find information at downtownyakima.com