With help from Carrollton Main Street’s Downtown Beautification Grants, two local businesses are sporting new exterior upgrades.
“Over the last eight and a half years, we have worked hard to transform this odd little basement space into a quirky and lovable destination for book lovers from all over the southeastern United States,” said Josh Niesse, owner of Underground Books, whose new awning over the store’s entrance on Alabama Street was partially funded by one of the grants. “We are so grateful to Main Street for enabling us to make the beauty and life inside our shop more visible on the outside of our building.”
The purpose of the Main Street Downtown Beautification Program is to stimulate downtown development, improve the visual image of properties within the Main Street district and generate pride in the community.
“As with a lot of small businesses just starting out it took everything I had to scrape enough together to get the doors open and I have to stay scrappy to keep them open,” said Shane Galloway, owner of 4 AM Coffee Roasters, who used the grant to help pay for their new sign beside Highway 27. “I have tried to start the retail shop for 4 AM in other cities that weren’t as eager to see new businesses flourish. Carrollton makes it seem like they really want independent businesses and Main Street is the face of that commitment. The Main Street Grant helped us put up a real sign that makes us feel more permanent, helps us move toward being the welcoming spot that we want to be and, of course, helps business”
Successful grant applicants may receive up to $2,500 per project and must match the grant funding, dollar for dollar. The money can be used for awnings, signage and exterior painting and staining on the building, trim and door.
“The Main Street Board is thrilled to partner with our downtown merchants,” said Main Street board member, Lauren Yates. “It’s a pleasure to see how they have worked to improve their signage, storefronts and awnings. The beautification of our downtown benefits all property owners, business owners and patrons alike and adds vibrancy to our downtown area, thus attracting more people to enjoy everything our city has to offer.”
