Facade grants continue for downtown
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Yet another grant for Main Street program façade improvements was approved last night when the Main Street Advisory Board met for its monthly meeting.

Board members approved $4,525.33 toward a $10,324 project at 107 N. Kilgore St., which includes plans to paint the building, repair stucco and replace the awning.

Carl Clower, of Expressions Hallmark, designed the façade improvement; Construction will be carried out by Parker Building Contractors, Inc., out of Henderson, who have done extensive works in Henderson Main Street district; the building is owned by Winter Elder.

"North Kilgore Street looks good," Fallon Burns, Main Street manager, said. "The grants the Main Street Advisory Board has awarded are starting to pay off."

Burns said nearly every building in the 100 block of Kilgore Street has had some form of renovation.

The advisory board also approved award of grant money to High Maintenance Spalon for the newly refurbished landmark FURNITURE & TIRES sign. Mike and Jennifer Brown, building owners were awarded $425 toward sign improvement.

"This is an unusual, unique and now used landmark," Burns said. "The Browns brought this landmark sign back to life to serve their business."

In other advisory board business, the board approved new street signage.

"The design committee selected new curved sign blanks, with Black background and white lettering," Burns said "The advisory board approved these and decorative brackets. This is a way we can let people know they have entered the Main Street district."

The board also approved acceptance of bids for decorative banners - not to exceed $150 each.

"Our goal is to achieve a steady rotation of banners around the year," Burns said.

Burns noted the success of the opening day of the Farmers Market. Board members agreed the market was a success, but want to limit the wares made available by disallowing and yard sale-type merchandise and only allowing locally made arts and crafts, produce and homed wares, such as jams, jellies and honey.

In addition to the continued support of the Farmers Market, the advisory board voted to or- der Main Street tote bags for sale, to reduce the use of plastic bags and mess left in the streets, when the market closes.