Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2022

Above is the current building. Below is a sample of what can be done to give it a “face lift.”
FAÇADE GRANT MASTER PLAN FOR THE INNOVATION AND
QUARTERS DISTRICTS PROGRAM
The Facade Grant Program is funded by donations and fundraising efforts through Gulfport Main Street events. The program focuses on proverbial “face lifts” enhancing the overall appearance, to help local businesses grow and
thrive in a changing, often challenging economy. Emphasis is being given to the Innovation and Quarters districts to improve existing commercial businesses and attract potential investors.
“Our Gulfport Main Street vision for this Façade Grant Master Plan Program looks to spark renewed interest in these
important districts within our community by helping businesses already operating in those areas and foster new business development,” said Gulfport Main Street Executive Director Laurie Toups. “We encourage private development and work to bridge financial gaps to cover costs for improvements and bring about additional aesthetic rehabilitation that helps our local economy grow.”
Main Street is awarding grants on
a competitive basis, with priority for applications proposing projects that help the applicant business grow and use local
vendors. The Innovation and Quarter districts located northwest of central downtown and north of the railroad tracks in Gulfport already have many key features to becoming major destinations for business and specialty retail as well as Gulf Coast residential living.
To learn more about the Façade Grant Master Plan Program and download the guidelines/application please go to www.downtowngulfport.org or contact Laurie Toups at ltoups@gulfport-ms.gov.
story and photos courtesy of Gulfport Main Street Association
82 | August 2022 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
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