The Downtown Bangor Partnership on Friday announced the winners of seven grants for downtown businesses to spruce up their facades.
Oh Grow Up, Not So Empty Nest, Paloma’s Gifts, Antique Marketplace, The Downtown Spot, Dream Charm Bar and Red Rabbit Bazaar will get up to $2,500 of the $15,000 total.
The “glow up grants” will help downtown retail businesses upgrade signs and lettering, paint, awnings, banners, planters and seating.
They replace a city-run program that was discontinued last year after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ended its designation of the downtown as “blighted,” making the city ineligible for the Community Development Block Grants that had funded facade upgrades.
The grant program is sponsored by Hollywood Casino, which chipped in $10,000. The remainder will come from Downtown Bangor’s Special Assessment fund, according to Executive Director Betsy Lundy.
It’s part of a push to grow retail and foot traffic downtown, after residents and visitors indicated in a recent survey that they want more retail options in the city, according to the Downtown Bangor Partnership.
In its announcement, the business group cited a Main Street America case study that found 80% of participating businesses saw an increase in first time customers after making improvements to the exteriors of their businesses.
BDN writer Annie Rupertus contributed reporting.
Correction: An earlier version of this story listed a sponsor who is no longer involved with the grant program.
