News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Main Street McMinnville received a grant for over $56,000 in order to help improve facades in the city’s downtown area.
Katie Kemezis is the Executive Director of Main Street McMinnville.
“This grant will allow our organization to give out sub-grants to property owners and businesses in McMinnville,” Kemezis said. “Facade improvements include replacing or repairing an awning, windows, or brick walls, working on rear entrances, any number of repairs that would happen on the exterior of the building… so the public can enjoy these improvements as well.”
Kemezis said the grant will have a great impact on McMinnville’s downtown area businesses.
“Not only will it beautify our downtown and contribute to community pride by really improving some of our most historic and precious buildings in our little city, it will also have an economic impact. ” Kemezis said, “It will create a better impression on customers who come to our downtown businesses and a better experience for them as they go into our shops.”
Kemezis said the improvement of a few downtown stores can subsequently have a positive impact on those in the surrounding area.
“We are excited for the halo effect of the businesses next to, adjacent, or around businesses that are receiving grant money,” Kemezis said. “We’re looking forward to an economic impact from it as well [and] increase the number of people coming downtown when they hear news of the improvements going on.”
McMinnville was one of six cities to receive a Facade Improvement Grant from the state. The city of Carthage also received over $97,000 in grant funding through the state to improve their facades.
