A program is aiming to gradually improve downtown Portland.

For three years, the downtown façade funding program has helped property and business owners spruce up the exteriors of their buildings.

This year, the program will help a local theatre and insurance agency.

Dru Hall, who owns Ritz Theatre and the apartments above it at 202 N. Meridian St., and Travis Pond, who owns Corle Insurance at 207 N. Meridian St., will be taking part in the program.

Hall is looking at two projects — installing a new marquee and painting the exterior of the apartments — that combine for $52,150 in construction costs.

Pond will install a new awning that’s estimated to cost about $3,690 in construction.

The downtown façade funding program, which is funded through economic development income tax (EDIT) and tax increment financing (TIF) dollars, will pay 50 percent of the construction costs for each project. This year’s contribution is approximately $27,900.

Mayor Randy Geesaman is excited for this year’s projects, he said, because, like previous projects including the Eagles Lodge, the renovations will improve the esthetics of downtown.

“The number one goal is pride of ownership, and the program has been successful because we share in the cost of trying to improve the downtown,” he said. “It’s part of our overall downtown revitalization.”

The program began in 2010 and had projects in 2012 and 2013. Funds have already been set aside to continue the program next year.

“We feel pretty fortunate that it seems every year we have three or four more properties trying to improve,” Geesaman said.

In order to be eligible for the funds, the building must be located in the historic preservation district and property owners must be able to pay the remaining 50 percent of the project’s costs. And the city’s share of the costs is only eligible for improvements made to the exterior front of the building.

One of the program’s success stories is the Eagles Lodge, which was renovated in 2013. Improvements to the building at the southwest corner of Meridian and Arch streets made it more beautiful, Geesaman said.

“I think we get a lot of compliments from people who say they can see a difference,” he said.

Before this year’s projects can begin, they need to be approved by the Portland Historic Preservation Commission, which is expected to review them at its Thursday meeting. Then the property owners have six months to complete the renovations.

Although this year’s projects have yet to begin, Geesaman is already looking toward next year.

He hopes Portland City Hall, 321 N. Meridian St., will be one of next year’s projects.

But more than that, he hopes the projects that are already completed will inspire other downtown business owners to use the program to spruce up the outside of their buildings.

“It has a domino effect on your overall view of your community,” he said. “It’s just another one of those quality of life issues.”
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