CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency has unanimously approved two applications for façade improvement grant funds.
The board approved property owner Kathy Ellis' request to remove 1960s façade stones, replace them with period-authentic brick, and replace rotted wooden doorways and windows on a former thrift store at 113 Main St. N. The $9,700 grant covers half the project's $19,400 cost.
In addition, the board approved a $10,000 grant for improvements to a vacant lot at 147 N. Main St. Crestview Property Services requested the funding for a $27,000 project that will transform the lot to a downtown outdoor food court.
Boyles noted in a letter to the board that the property may conceal a buried 1918 cement marker designating the spot Okaloosa County's geographic center, the Old Spanish Trail's highest elevation, and the origin of Crestview’s nickname, the Hub City.
Façade improvement grants — which may not exceed $10,000 each — can pay up to half the costs of projects that improve Main Street's appearance.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview board OKs $19,700 for façade improvement grants