9 Downtown Buildings Get Renovation Funds

In an investment aimed at restoring facades in the downtown district to their former glory, the city has paid more than $106,000 to help nine building owners renovate their storefronts.

Among the most well-known buildings to get a face-lift is the former Arcadia Tribune building at 6 N. 1st Ave., a brick structure with a classic red-tile roof.

With $32,000 in city money, owner Dr. Joseph Defrancisco replaced the awnings, added landscaping, installed security lights, repainted the building and reconstructed the parking lot, said Peter Kinnahan, the city’s economic development administrator.

The program has already helped attract an alehouse that is expected to open soon on Huntington Drive, city officials said.

Kinnahan said another nine buildings have applications pending for funding from the Commercial Facade Rehabilitation Program.

The city spent more than $7 million two years ago to spruce up downtown district streets with landscaping and lighting. It also upgraded the sewer system.