By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Main Street Warsaw has seen a handful of facade grant celebrations in recent days, including one on Monday for Kensington Digital Media, which owns and operates three local radio stations, WRSW, Willie 103.5 and News Now Warsaw.
The company was eligible to receive the maximum grant amount, $10,000, in return for extensive exterior renovations that is part of the first of a two-phase project.
Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President Rob Parker said they’ve seen an increase in interest since the annual facade program budget was increased by Warsaw City Council two years ago from $25,000 to $50,000.
The program has been available since 2003, but the rate of participation appears to have picked up in recent years
The downtown business district has a very low vacancy rate and is void of any dilapidated properties.
Since its inception, more than $705,000 in grant money has been distributed among downtown properties.
“So you take $400,000 (over many years) and you get $2.4 million in improvements — that’s a pretty darn good investment,” Parker said.
“It’s extremely helpful in improving our downtown spaces and our buildings, which then attracts more businesses to the downtown,” Parker said.
For Kensington, access to the grant was a big factor, said General Manager Woody Zimmerman.
“It’s the difference between: are we going to invest money in the building or are we not?” Zimmerman said. “We are grateful to the chamber and Main Street Warsaw.”
Another round of improvements is planned in the future that will include new windows, a digital reader board, and a pergola.
The program is intended to help cover the cost of facades, storefronts, awnings and signs, depending on the scope of the work.
Facade grant recipients this year include:
- Hocking & Hocking (Rock Steady Pizza)
- Lakeland Art Association
- Generous Coffee
- Glam Boutique
- Kensington Digital Media
- KCJRA Holdings (Little Crow Lofts)
- Urban Retrend (two properties on East Center Street)
A check presentation for Rock Steady Pizza was held last week, and a presentation for Glam Boutique is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
