By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A pair of meetings in mid-January will kick off Decatur’s facade program for 2026.
The informational meetings are set for 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the downtown HIVE art gallery on Thursday, January 15.
The program provides matching funds for facade improvements at local businesses.
Anyone who would like to apply for a facade grant must attend one of the meetings, city officials said.
To qualify for funding a business must be located within the city limits of Decatur or be a Decatur Chamber of Commerce member.
Anyone with questions may contact Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart at jgephart@cityofdecatur.in.gov, or call (260) 724-7171.
For the first 10 years, the program was available only to businesses in the downtown area. This year, however, it was expanded to all businesses which operate primarily within the city limits.
A business may seek a grant of up to $10,000 and the city will match the requested amount. Lesser amounts may be sought.
The city has $25,000 budgeted for the program in 2026.
Seven businesses were awarded grants this year: Yvonne Marie’s, Next Page & More Bookstore, Vinnie’s, Famous Monster Pizza, EF Gass Salon, Adams County Historical Society, and StoppCo.
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