By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Seven Decatur businesses have been awarded façade grants by the City of Decatur.
This year’s awards were unique in a couple of ways.
For the first time in memory, all of the $50,000 annually put up by the city was not used. So all seven applicants received the funds requested.
And for the first time, a grant was awarded to a business not located in the downtown area, a change city officials made in the rules for 2025.
The façade program offers 50/50 grants to qualifying businesses. The business must match the amount given it by the city.
To qualify a business must operate primarily within the City of Decatur and contribute to the Decatur economy. It must be independently owned and operated and not be dominant in its field on a national basis. It must employ under 50 people.
This year, the awards – presented to city council by Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart – just back from maternity leave — totaled $37,919.53.
“This is another way we’re trying to improve our city; it makes our community look good,” Mayor Dan Rickord. He also offered praise to Curt Witte and Brad Roe of the building/zoning department for their continued enforcement of city codes.
The largest facade grant, $10,000, went to the Adams County Historical Society for much-needed roof repairs at its Dugan Museum.,
The non-downtown area firm is StoppCo, an inspection business owned and operated by Stan Stoppenhagen and located at 9060 NW Winchester Road. Stoppco was awarded $2,997 for a sign for a duplex.
Other grants:
Yvonne Marie’s, $8,700 for siding on the rear of the second floor.
Next Page & More bookstore, $7,971 for repairs to cornices, brick and trim repairs , and adding an awning.
Vinnie’s, $3,950 for a new rear stairway, rear bar window, two windows and a door.
Famous Monster Pizza, $2,576.53 for a lighted sign.
EF Gass Salon, $1,725 for rear entrance siding, adding an awning and seal coat on roof.
The Decatur Main Street design committee and the Redevelopment Commission looked over the requests; the former gave its approval, then the Main St. board handed down the final okay.
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