This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — A new company on Winona Avenue in Warsaw is the first recipient of a new matching grant façade program established for businesses along the corridor that connects the city with the town of Winona Lake.
The program was recently established by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.
While façade grants have been used in downtown Warsaw for years, the expansion to Winona Avenue is aimed at helping turn around an important corridor that’s been neglected for decades.
The first company to take advantage of the program is Real Property Management Golden Dome, which is located at the corner of Winona Avenue and Bronson Street.
The program will provide $8,300 to the company toward exterior renovations.
The chamber has set aside $35,000 for the program.
Chamber President Rob Parker explained the reason behind the program after a check presentation Wednesday.
“We believe as a major corridor in our community, it’s one that is lacking in terms of visual appeal, and by us investing in what we believe should be changed, we’re putting that first step forward to show that this is really important to the business community.”
Company owner Chris Bammerlin, who’s also renovating the interior, said he appreciates the help with the exterior.
He joined the chamber late last year and jumped at the opportunity after learning of it.
You can see a before and after photo on the company’s Facebook page.
Parker said the program extends beyond Winona Avenue, and is available to businesses along Market and Smith streets, which run parallel to Winona Avenue.
The stretch along Winona runs from the roundabout to the railroad tracks, Parker said.
Six other companies have applied for the grant this year, and Parker said they hope to continue it next year.
“I anticipate having $100,000 worth of renovations done this year from that facade program. So, $35,000 invested is going to return over $100,000 in property improvements along businesses on Winona Avenue,” Parker said.
The eagerness to participate is telling, he said.
“It tells you that there is a need and I have others that are interested,” Parker said.
The program also spurs business activity.
“I anticipate having $100,000 worth of renovations done this year from that facade program. So, $35,000 invested is going to return over $100,000 in property improvements along businesses on Winona Avenue,” Parker said.
