Waynesboro: Seven projects selected for competitive façade grants from city

A number of businesses in Waynesboro were awarded grants to restore or improve their façades.

The competitive grants were provided by the City of Waynesboro’s Economic Development office.

“These projects not only improve the look and feel of Waynesboro, but they also signal to visitors and residents that Waynesboro is a place where businesses are thriving and our community takes pride in its appearance,” said Greg Hitchin, director of Economic Development and Tourism.

This year’s recipients include:

• Big Ridge – Enhance the façade with fresh paint
• Blue Ridge Children’s Museum – Install awnings and freestanding signage
• Happ Coffee – Add landscaping planters, sunshades and updated picnic tables to their patio
• 150 Race Avenue – Repair mortar joints and paint the exterior
• Virginia Metalcrafters – Restore original Virginia Metalcrafters sign, add directional signage, masonry repair and landscaping
• Studio Wayne – Paint the side of the building and add visual signage
• Wayne Theatre administrative building – Repair and enhance the façade including windows, signage and painting

The building improvement grants, previously rolling façade grants, are designed to support revitalization efforts, attract new investment and preserve the historic character of Waynesboro.

Over the past decade, the program has provided partial funding for 70 projects, resulting in more than $800,000 in new investment in downtown buildings, including $465,000 in private investment.

For more information, visit GrowWaynesboro.com.