DVI Awards Ten Grants for Laura Street Façade Improvement Grant Program: More Than $200,000 To Be Invested in Downtown Improvement
posted October 25, 2011
Jacksonville, FL (October 24, 2011) --- Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI), the only organization dedicated solely to revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville, today announced that ten Laura St. properties between Monroe St. and Independent Dr. will receive grants totaling $100,000 to improve the Laura St. corridor. Those grants will be matched by property owner investment to bring the total value of the project to $211,000. The announcement was made by Terry Lorince, Executive Director of Downtown Vision.
The following properties will receive grants for improvements, including awnings, banners, murals, pedestrian signage, landscaping, exterior lighting and sidewalk café furniture:
- The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr.,
- Riverwatch Tower, 76 S. Laura St.
- Life of the South Building, 100 W. Bay St.
- Wells Fargo Center, 1 Independent Dr.
- The Jacksonville Bank Building, 100 N. Laura St.
- Elks Building, 201 N. Laura St.
- Chamblin’s Uptown, 215 N. Laura St.
- Gus and Co. Shoe Repair, 225 N. Laura St.
- Magnificat Café, 231 N. Laura St.
- Greenleaf Building, 206 N. Laura St.
“As the organization that is focused on bringing Downtown to life through a variety of programs, we’re excited about these additional improvements to Laura St. and believe this grant program will serve as a model that can be replicated on other streets,” said Lorince.
Façade improvement programs have been used as best practice in other cities in the United States. The selection of Laura Street as the initial façade improvement program was based on the City of Jacksonville’s recent streetscape improvements.
“The City has done a great job making the street and sidewalks more attractive. Our goal is to further enhance the pedestrian environment by making the building facades more attractive and welcoming, and improving how the buildings relate to the sidewalk,” stated Lorince.
“We excited about the City’s focus on Downtown,” added Lorince. “We look forward to working with the Mayor to make Downtown a growth engine for Jacksonville.”
The Laura Street Façade Improvement Grant program is just one of many programs that Downtown Vision conducts on behalf of the Downtown Improvement District. The nonprofit organization, which is funded by Downtown Improvement District property owners, provides services and programs including advocacy; cleanliness services including litter and graffiti removal, pressure washing and weed and tree fall abatement; safety patrols and hospitality services through the Downtown Ambassador program; events such as First Wednesday Art Walk, Eat Up Downtown, and Movies in the Park; and marketing and communications support through downtownjacksonville.org, dtjax.org and social media tools.
For more information about Downtown Vision, visit www.downtownjacksonville.org.
About Downtown Vision, Inc.
As the only organization dedicated solely to revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville, Downtown Vision’s mission is to build and maintain a healthy and vibrant Downtown. Founded in 2000, Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI) is a Downtown Improvement District created by commercial property owners to provide enhanced services including cleaning, safety, marketing, communications, events, advocacy and special initiatives needed to revitalize Downtown. DVI is governed by a board of directors representing the property owners of the 90-block district. For more information, visit downtownjacksonville.org.
###