(Seguin) — There are more improvements on the way to buildings in the downtown area. The Seguin City Council continues its efforts to spruce up the exterior of downtown buildings.
Council members on Tuesday approved nine grants to property owners in the downtown historic district.
Seguin Main Street Director Kyle Kramm says they had just over $50,000 in grants to award this year as part of its Fix-It Facade grant program.
“This year, we had $50,304.35 to allocate thanks to $30,000 that was included in the fiscal year 2022 budget as well as some projects that came under budget last year and additionally two projects that did not come to fruition,” said Kramm.
Kramm says all nine projects are designed to enhance the look of the buildings in downtown, or to make them more accessible to the public. Kramm says the list includes a number of well-known locations.
“For the Aumont at 301 N. Austin to repair their Mountain Street awning, they are recommending a 45 percent grant not to exceed $2,574. For Burnt Bean Barbecue, they are recommending a 45 percent grant of not to exceed to $9, 843.75. For 114 S. Austin St. which now houses Southern Good and the Second Story Dance Studio, they are recommending a 25 percent grant of not to exceed $3,137.50. For the Greater Second Baptist Church at 208 S. Crockett Street, they are recommending a 45 percent grant not to exceed $6,682.50 for some HVAC units to be removed, window units as well as painting the church some signage and also repairs of some of the stucco….”
“For the Texas Hair Stop, they are recommending a 45 percent grant of $1,001.25 to replace some of the siding at the rear of the building – the Kauf House which is at 314 N. Austin St. they are recommending a grant of $9,364 to construct ADA access and also some painting and roof repairs,” said Kramm.
The Fix-It Facade grants will also go to some property owners looking to open up some new businesses in the downtown area. That includes a wine and coffee bar in a building that’s been vacant for decades and a new bookstore.
“First National Bank which is at 100 E. Court St, they are recommending a 45 percent grant not to exceed $9,630 for windows and painting. For the Heritage Museum, they are recommending a 45 percent grant of not to exceed $2,700 for stucco repairs and then finally, the last one, would be for Pecantown Books & Brews which is formally Bender Reality (212 S. Camp St.), they are recommending a 45 percent grant not to exceed $5,067 for ADA improvements, “said Kramm.
The Fix-It Facade grant program is meant to encourage downtown property owners and businesses that operate there to improve the overall look and accessibility of their buildings. It’s a reimbursement grant program. Once the projects are completed, the city will provide reimbursements based on the total percentage approved by the city council.