The City of Newberry's Downtown Façade Improvement Plan Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown Newberry. The program's core objective is to improve the condition of downtown buildings, thereby positively influencing the public's overall impression of the area. This aligns with a broader mission to revitalize and preserve the unique character of Newberry's Historic Downtown, recognizing that the appearance of commercial structures significantly contributes to the vibrancy and economic health of the city center.
The primary beneficiaries of this program are owners or tenants of business/commercial buildings located within the Main Street or Newberry Historic District boundaries. The program aims to provide an economic incentive for these individuals to undertake storefront rehabilitation. The impact goals are centered on dramatically improving the facades of downtown buildings, leading to a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the buildings and the physical environment of downtown.
The program prioritizes several key areas. These include promoting storefront rehabilitation in Newberry’s Historic Downtown area, preserving the unique character of downtown’s historic buildings, encouraging aesthetic compatibility for improvements to facades of non-historic structures, and encouraging the use of quality materials in the rehabilitation of downtown properties. Eligibility criteria ensure that the grants are directed towards business/commercial properties within the designated historic districts, with specific conditions regarding ownership, prior grants, and financial standing with the city.
The expected outcomes are a more visually appealing downtown, increased community pride, and potentially a boost in local commerce due to enhanced attractiveness. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the program's success will be evident in the visible improvement of building facades and the overall physical environment of downtown. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in the physical infrastructure of downtown, the City of Newberry can stimulate economic activity, preserve historical assets, and foster a more engaging and attractive urban core.
