DevelopSpringfield grant to be used for facade improvements

Date: 4/17/2014

SPRINGFIELD – DevelopSpringfield announced that it has awarded a $20,000 grant for facade improvements to 1095 Main St., a property owned by 1095 Main Street Irrevocable Trust.

Building tenants include Square One Family Center and Santos Family Chiropractic.

The grant is made possible under DevelopSpringfield’s Corridor Storefront Improvement Program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 per storefront for exterior improvements to first floor businesses located on State and Main streets in Springfield.

The recently awarded funds were used to revitalize and repair the existing facade and included new windows, doors, and signage. The grant is supporting a substantial investment for improvements to the building by the property owner.

“This project represents well over $100,000 in capital improvements to the facade of this building,” Ralph Capua of 1095 Main Street Irrevocable Trust said. “It’s an example of our commitment to bringing business back to the South End and allows for additional leasing opportunities for prospective business owners.”

The project shows a strong commitment to revitalization in the South End of Springfield, an area devastated by the June 2011 tornado. Improvements to this structure made it possible for Square One, an organization that lost its permanent location after the tornado and was further displaced by the natural gas explosion in November 2012, to find their new home. The Square One Family Center celebrated the opening of its facility at 1095 Main St., in September 2013. It is also an example of a key initiative of the Rebuild Springfield Plan to focus on strategic redevelopment in this area.

DevelopSpringfield’s Corridor Storefront Improvement Program was established in 2009 to enhance the visual appeal of State and Main streets while providing assistance to businesses making investments in these two key corridors within the city.

For more information on the Corridor Storefront Improvement Program, go to www.developspringfield.com and click on “programs.”

Additional details may also be obtained by contacting Jay Minkarah, DevelopSpringfield president and CEO, at jminkarah@developspringfield.com or 209-8808.