DELPHOS — Over the past 12 months, downtown businesses have been offered matching funds from the state to make improvements to their buildings. The Downtown Revitalization project operates under the oversight of Downtown Manager Jay Smith, who says funds are still available but the deadline is approaching.
“There could easily be another $75,000 in grant money used in the next six months. There are still funds available and people should contact me as soon as possible because all the work needs to be done by Oct. 1 and we want them to be able to line up a contractor to do the work,” he said.
“I understand the economy may be a little slow for some people but getting free money isn’t going to happen again in the near future.”
Funds come through the Community Development Block Grant. Business owners have chosen their own contractors but must pay 100 percent of their project cost until after final inspection. Each proprietor enters a contract with the city and may be reimbursed for 50 percent of their project cost up to $10,000 from grant funds. This permits contractors to receive payment without delay.
Much of the work being done has purposed to renew the “face” of Main Street. The Delphos Club is one of five expected to begin a project in the near future.
The building was constructed in 1872 and President Andy North says restoring its original look is part of the club’s goal.
“We took off all of the siding and we’ll bring it back as close as we can, within historical guidelines, to what it would have originally looked like. We’ll restore it with a new door and new windows. Then, we’ll do a lot of painting and tuck-pointing and sealing on the south and west sides of the building,” he said.
Stonework will be cleaned and painted in a beige tone with dark green trim and windows will be trimmed in burgundy.
North says final approval is pending but the goal is to complete the work with volunteer labor by June.
Other upcoming projects include the AFLAC building, the Delphos Herald, the old Eagles lodge at 339 N. Main St. and Intermedia 3.
So far, a dozen projects have been embarked upon. Private owners have spent $89,422.50 from their own budgets to beautify downtown Delphos. The amount of grant money used so far totals $82,422.50.
“If you all that together, the community is spending $236,505 to make downtown look better. That is very impressive for a community of this size and it shows the willingness of everybody to pitch in and make needed improvements,” Smith said.
The Delphos Canal Commission has been so eager to utilize the opportunity, the maximum amount has been reached and private funds are paying for facade work performed this week.
Many owners are being careful to enliven the “character” of a respective building by removing vinyl siding and other materials that covered vintage wood and brick.
JoAn Smith owns the local H&R Block office, which was built in 1884 but had been covered up with wood panels and an awning.
“When we tore off the awning and discovered what we had — the 12-foot columns and windows intact — it enhanced our desire to bring it back to what it was while making it functional for modern use,” she said.
In addition to H&R Block, the other Downtown Development participants are Lion Clothing, Visual Image Photography, Delphos Sporting Goods, Shenks, All Things Unique, Union Bank, Dr. Grone’s office, the former Commercial Bank drive-through, the Canal Commission Museum and Phoenix Homes.
Edgar VanAutreve has contacted Smith and is in the process of getting roofing estimates.