Lexington Offers Main Street Businesses Money for Renovations

Lexington is offering businesses on Main Street money to spruce up their storefronts and office buildings.

From the Old Mill on East Main Street to the McDonald's at the corner of West Main and Columbia Avenue, building owners can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to make changes to their façades.

Clyde Smith, owner of Carpet One, said he's in the process of getting price estimates on work he wants done to his store. 

"A fresh coat of paint and new awnings can greatly spruce up the outward appearance of a building," Smith said. "You want a welcoming look, not a worn-out look." 

Town leaders and business owners are hoping that visual changes will help attract more people to Lexington's struggling downtown.

"Right in walking distance you've got quite a few restaurants that offer a variety of fare," Smith said. "Maybe if we can improve the appearance, we can increase the pedestrian use of Main Street." 

Business owners who receive the grants will be reimbursed if the work to their buildings is complete by spring. 

"One of the hallmarks of a community is aesthetics," Mayor Randy Halfacre said at a town council meeting Tuesday.

The town budgeted $25,000 for the grants, and is taking applications for the grants through Nov. 2.

The town's Board of Appearance will review the applications and award the grants around mid-November.

Town Administrator Britt Poole said if the program is successful, the town may consider expanding it in the future.