A Facade Makes a Big Difference

It looks like the building at 1331 Jeffco Blvd. received its facelift.

A little more than a year ago the building's owners received approval from the City of Arnold's community development office, to paint the building in different colors, install new windows and window frames and replace columns at the building's entrance.

Contractors worked on the facade changes in the last few months and the building looks completely different.

"This is exactly what the city is encouraging," said Community Development Director Mary Holden in her report to the city's planning committee on Dec. 14, 2010.

The contractors at busy strengthening the foundation for a new 4,400-square-foot building to be built behind the Jeffco building. The new building will be used to consolidate office space for business tenant sales and operations, the plans said.

Arnold's economic development specialist Dan Bish said the Jeffco Boulevard building's owners completely financed the renovations.

But the City of Arnold has a Commercial Facade Improvement Loan Program to help small business improve their buildings and attract more clients, Bish said.

The program provides funding at a lower than market rate loan, through UMB Bank, of up to $35,000, said documents from , at 2101 Jeffco Blvd. The program also provides a $1,000 grant for landscaping improvements.