SPAR's Main Street Property Enhancement Program

[sheclown]

JTH:  We've had the sign up at the Thrift Store since August.  Probably could be a better sign if you haven't noticed it until this week.

[sheclown]

This is GREAT news. 

[Jth]

Great news indeed. Thanks for the info Matt, sounds like a good business for Main Street. Valerio's stuff likely won't be done by the end of the month though. We don't plan on reviewing the applications we receive until mid-November. Valerio is further along than most with his plans thanks to Content Design's work, but I don't think we're at the point of being able to give out the products this soon.

The other paint project you mentioned earlier sounded good and I wish I could help with that, but I'm strictly limited to the Main Street Corridor. Where did you hear about the project? I could ask around and see what the deal is with it.

[EAkers]

JTH, Jason and others, great work effort on your part along with this success for SPAR. Obtaining grants and funding such as this is a tremendous effort and is a major shot in the arm for Springfield.

With the completion of Main Street, the very slow demolition of the dilapidated of Park View Inn, The Market, and plans for Carl's, Valeiro's and other businesses along Main Street, this is the the forward progress and improvement that myself and many others in the neighborhood have been waiting on for years.

Congratulations again and continued good luck with the forward progress. You will no doubt have some uphill battles along the way, but it will be worth the effort.

Best Regards.

[aubureck]

This definitely sounds like a great program.  Don't forget however that a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for any work (including painting) that occurs on the properties.  People also tend to forget that COA's are also required for fencing.

[mtraininjax]

COAs are required for anything that "may" change the appearance of the property from the street. Even windows that face the back yard are required. Spoke with a number of window companies at the latest home show who had to eat a "few" jobs due to having RAP and the City come down on them for windows in the backyard of houses.

[strider]

Also, COA's are not difficult to get.  The folks down at the Historic Department (Florida Threatre building, 5th floor) are very helpful and will quide you through the process. SPAR Council is not the authority here and all COA's are done by the cities Historical Department. Most COA's for things like painting and such are walk-throughs and can be gotten by a phone call and a single trip downtown.

Mainstreet is slowly getting finished.  A few new businesses have opened up and a few more are in the works.  Even if this program can't or doesn't help you, now might still be the time to spruce up that sign and store front.

[jason_contentdg]

^Just wanted to let everyone know that I don't believe anyone involved with this project is a stranger to the COA process, and realize that any work done for this program would have to go to Historic Preservation staff.

[strider]

We just heard that awnings are no longer part of this program.  Is that true? It seems like awnings were a large part of it and an important one.

[zoo]

I hear awnings are out, too. Apparently they operate on very slim margins, and SPAR's program is dependent on donors recouping retail costs. If anyone knows any other awning companies, or landscaping materials providers, that may want to participate next year, they should refer them to SPAR.

[fsu813]

well that stinks.

anyone approached the major box stores........Lowes & Home Depot? I would guess that someone would have by now, but just checking.

Though perhaps a SAMBA/SPAR board member would be more appropriate, I'd be willing to go see them if they haven't been approached. I'm at Lowes all the time.

[jason_contentdg]

Wow, we have not heard that yet.  Hopefully they can get someone else on board, awnings are an important feature....

[strider]

Zoo: Apparently they operate on very slim margins, and SPAR's program is dependent on donors recouping retail costs.

Can you explain this a bit...if they donate something but get back retail costs, what are they donating?  Net Profit only?  How does that benefit the retailer, IE, what's in it for them? A tax credit in the amount of the net profit?  How does this translate into the receiver of the "facade grant" only having to pay only 10% to 35% of the cost?

As I know someone who could be interested, I’d like to know how it works before I approach them. Besides, as I’m sure other business people read this, an explanation could get you someone new.

[strider]

So, it has been four months...any progress on this? Also, no one ever answered my questions above.  OK to do it via PM. Though I would think that you would want the info out there so that other companies could see if they could help or not. By the way, we also have a company that can make awnings.  But of course, that was told to others already....and meanwhile we lost A-Z and I suspect the new business at Valerios would like the program to get started.

[Miss Fixit]

Thanks for posting on this thread, Strider.  This is a program I haven't heard anything about until now and it seems to have the potential to be a good one.  I look forward to hearing an update from SPAR Council.