Farmington looks like the picturesque small suburban downtown, but local
leaders think it can look even better.The Farmington Downtown Development Authority is encouraging local businesses and property owners to
take advantage of established county and new local façade-improvement programs.
To get the word out about it, the DDA is hosting a expert panel on improving
business appearance at 7 p.m. today in City Hall, 23600 Liberty St.
"We just looked at this as an
opportunity to assist our downtown businesses," says Annette Knowles, director
of the Farmington DDA.
The DDA and city officials are establishing
a signage and façade improvement programs to help gussy up the face of
downtown: its businesses. The façade improvement program will cover up
to 20 percent of an improvement project's costs and offer assistance. The
signage program will offer up to $500 in matching funds to improve signs.
These programs compliment others from Oakland County, such as the Main Street Oakland County Design Assistance Program and the Oakland County Business Center
Assistance Program.
A number of other Metro Detroit downtowns
have utilized such programs to great success. Downtown Detroit's façade program was instrumental in
revitalizing the district in time for Super Bowl XL.
For information, contact Knowles at aknowles@downtownfarmington.org or (248) 473-7276.
Source: Annette Knowles, director of the
Farmington Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Jon Zemke
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