CARTHAGE, Mo. — The first project the Vision Carthage organization hopes will be completed is a number of beautifying the facades of buildings in the town square.
So, along with Grace Lanes and the high-profile building's owners, Robert and Rebecca Botts, executives from the nonprofit booster group are in a celebratory mood.
New blue awnings are now being rolled out in front of two businesses along Third Street between Howard Street and Grace Lanes Bowling Alley, thanks to a program created by Vision Carthage to help small business owners. I am.
Robert Botts said Vision Carthage provided half of the approximately $5,000 cost of the new awning, allowing his small business to make several upgrades.
“I didn't want to spend $5,000 on an awning, but I'm willing to spend some of it,” Botts said. “We were trying to figure out a way to make it happen, and when they offered to do half of it, we said OK.
“Vision Carthage was easy to work with when it came to follow-up and organizing, and I encourage others to learn a little about them and what they can do for their communities.”
Jen Kirby, executive director of Vision Carthage, said private donors are funding the project and there is currently funding awaiting new applications.
“We are grateful to our partners, Carthage Community Foundation, Old Missouri Bank, and Arvest Bank, for contributing to this cause, along with private individual donors,” Kirby said. “The Facade Improvement Program is a program that allows property owners to build projects that meet these goals are eligible for a cost-share program that covers up to one-half of the cost of eligible facade improvements. The application will be considered by Vision Carthage’s Economic Vitality Committee.”
Ms Kirby said she hoped the program would attract more applicants now that the completed projects were open to the public.
“Most of the buildings are over 100 years old and can be expensive to repair,” Kirby said. “Vision His Carthage's mission is to promote the beautification and revitalization of Carthage through volunteerism, partnerships, and community and business engagement. The organization promotes revitalization efforts through historic preservation and promotes the beautification and revitalization of Carthage through volunteerism, partnerships, and community and business engagement. We are trying to support businesses.”
Carthage Lock and Key owner and son Nathan Hawes said he was excited to install the new awning.
“Like Robert said, people will drive by and see it and think, 'Oh, that's kind of cool,'” Hawes said.
