City of Brunswick and Brunswick Main Street Work Together to Use Portion of Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Aid Downtown Revitalization
BRUNSWICK, Md., Oct. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The City of Brunswick and Brunswick Main Street are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Brunswick Building Blocks Grant funding, the City's latest proactive effort to boost downtown revitalization in this historic railroad town.
In May 2022, the City of Brunswick received over six million dollars as part of President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act, of which it earmarked a half-million dollars to rejuvenate its Main Street district. Together with Brunswick Main Street, they created the Building Blocks Grant Program initiative to address the health, welfare, and safety of downtown buildings. Properties listed as Contributing Structures in the Main Street district were eligible for a one-time award for infrastructure improvements up to $300,000.00 that would have a major impact on a building's usability and marketability.
According to City of Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown, "The American Rescue Plan Act funding was provided to help local governments meet community needs. The City of Brunswick is proud of our proposals for spending our share of this funding. This Building Blocks Grant program is one way that we are investing in our community and helping to spearhead downtown revitalization. These projects will stabilize structures in the downtown corridor for decades to come."
Brunswick Main Street Manager Carmen Hilton expressed that, "we are beyond thankful to be able to partner with the City of Brunswick. This Building Block Program will not only provide much needed funds for property owners who need crucial renovations for the "skeleton" of their buildings, but also for those who are providing new and exciting spaces to our downtown."
The following projects were chosen to receive Building Blocks awards:
Newberry Building
30-34 W. Potomac St., Brunswick, MD
$95,000.00
Buildout of six high-quality commercial spaces to improve building functionality and bring it up to code, while preserving historical character.
Traveling Bros. Cigars
302 W. Potomac St., Brunswick, MD
$100,000.00
Buildout of open-area space for seating and possible entertainment as well as downstairs café and bar highlighting Brunswick character and history.
Ampersand
230 W. Potomac St., Brunswick, MD
$35,000.00
Buildout of three separate units (two commercial and one residential). One commercial space currently houses a vintage store. Additional commercial space will be added downstairs. Upstairs will be renovated for short-term residential rental use.
Horine Building
2 E. Potomac, Brunswick, MD
$35,000.00
Infrastructure improvements consisting of connecting of new water lines, foundation work, cracked waste line repair, sidewalk replacement, exterior step repair, and electric service upgrade to this historical building.
Imagination Station Children's Center
8 S. Maple Ave. Brunswick, MD
$35,000.00
Concrete basement floor installation to aid in waterproofing and improving and protecting the property's structural integrity.
About the City of Brunswick
The City of Brunswick is located in south-western Frederick County along the Potomac River, the C & O National Historic Park, and the MARC train line. Proud of its historic contribution as a railroad and canal hub to Frederick County's growth and development, Brunswick continues to attract commercial and residential growth with its easy proximity to urban centers and beautiful natural resources, award-winning schools, and small-town charm. Visit the City's website at http://www.brunswickmd.gov.
About Brunswick Main Street
Brunswick Main Street is part of Main Street America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that supports communities in their efforts to revitalize struggling downtowns while retaining their unique, historic characters. Dedicated to the economic success of its downtown, Brunswick Main Street, created in 2004, works to revitalize the charm and history and show residents and visitors why Downtown Brunswick is a great place to live, work, shop and play. To learn more about Brunswick Main Street and how you can get involved, please visit http://www.brunswickmainstreet.org.
Media Contact
Carmen Hilton, Manager, Brunswick Main Street, 301-834-7750 x24, [email protected]
SOURCE Brunswick Main Street
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