Exciting news: Mount Airy was recently awarded $475,000 for the Rural Transformation Grant from North Carolina Department of Commerce for the Mill District Streetscape Initiative, a project that aims to connect Main Street to the Spencer’s Mill District.
Thanks to the diligent work of The City of Mount Airy, NC staff in partnership with MAD, Inc., we've secured this prestigious grant, which will further enhance the charm & vibrancy of our downtown district, in addition to the economic impact. This grant is not just a monetary boost, but also a validation of the hard work & resilience of our community. Together, we're creating a vibrant & thriving downtown district.
With the funds from this grant, we will upgrade Franklin Street (from Willow Street to Main Street) to match the private investment & historic preservation that precedes the public improvements. The momentum is building, and more private investment is coming as Gene Rees leads the way by rehabilitating the bank building at the corner of Franklin and N Main Street. This little corner of Franklin Street has witnessed incredible incremental economic growth since 2013. Past projects in the area were made possible by our MAD, Inc. Façade Grant Program, the UNCG Main Street Fellows free design assistance through North Carolina Main Street Center, & the MAD, Inc. Mural Grant Program.
It's remarkable to see that a very small public investment of less than $10,000 in local grant funding has spurred upwards of $1.9 million in private investment. We are immensely proud of the progress we've made, & this new grant will further accelerate our downtown revitalization efforts.
Let's celebrate this milestone & keep working together to make Mount Airy an even more incredible place to live, work, and play. Stay tuned for updates on the exciting projects & initiatives that will be made possible by this grant.
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