Ricky John Bergeron
June 2, 2008June movie releases
June 4, 2008
It’s time again for the annual façade grant program where Thibodaux Main Street business owners can spruce up their storefronts with a splash of paint or a few masonry repairs.
The grant program was created in Thibodaux as a spin-off to the Louisiana Main Street foundation’s grant program.
The Lorio Foundation, which also occupies a business on Main Street, provides the funds for the grant.
“We’re grateful to the Lorio Foundation for providing the funds necessary to help revitalize the downtown area, and are also appreciative of the various businesses and property owners for investing in the economic growth of the community,” Thibodaux Mayor Charles Caillouet said.
Improvements under the grant can be made to storefronts, signage, awnings, windows, cornices and doors. Business owners can also use the grant for masonry repairs, paint removal and other renovations that will improve the aesthetic quality of the building.
Depending on a review process and the number of applicants, $8,000 in matching funds will be available with a minimum of $500 awarded to each applicant. Commercial building owners within the Main Street district – Louisiana Highway 1 and West 5th Street, between Jackson Street and Canal Boulevard – can apply.
Awarded applicants have one year to complete the scope of work that is proposed to the Thibodaux Main Street review board, according to Dana Clement, the City of Thibodaux’s marketing spokeswoman.
“Each applicant has to go before the review board and tell them what they want to do with their building,” she explained. “The committee will review each application and reward the funds to the chosen business owners.”
The grants are intended to improve the appearance of the downtown area to facilitate new business development, Caillouet said.
“Restoration of the storefront improves the visual appearance of the entire downtown, which is critical to both the success of individual businesses and to the economic health and vitality of the district as a whole,” he said.
To date, the façade grant program has shelled out $20,000 for store restorations in the downtown area.
Louis “Nut” Hebert, a previous recipient of one of the façade grants, said the program was instrumental in the renovation of the Old Peacock Building.
“We’re glad to be a part of the opportunities to revitalize our historic downtown area,” Hebert said.
The deadline for submitting applications is June 6. Applications can be downloaded online from the city’s Web site at http://ci.thibodaux.la.us, or by contacting Dana Clement at (985) 448-5852.
Thibodaux’s marketing spokeswoman Dana Clement and Mayor Charles Caillouet are pictured outside RUSH Boutique, which was awarded a $2,709 grant to improve its storefront. * Photo courtesy of THIBODAUX MAIN STREET
