Ninth Street is getting a facelift. The City of Durham‘s Office of Economic and Workforce Development began accepting grant applications in September 2014 and has now awarded sign and façade grants to 13 businesses along the commercial corridor.
The grants, totaling $70,932, are designed to improve the pedestrian environment and shopping experience in this area, and is part of a greater effort to improve the business climate and aesthetics in one of Durham’s most vibrant and historic commercial districts.
Some businesses will receive only sign or façade grants, while others will receive funding for both. The businesses receiving sign grants are Bruegger’s, Zola’s Craft Gallery and Blue Corn Café. Those receiving sign and façade grants are Wavelengths, The Regulator Bookshop, Dain’s Place and White Star Laundry. Ninth Street Flowers, Bernard’s Formalwear, Barnes Supply, Cozy, Elmo’s Diner and Atelier N Fine Jewelry will all receive façade grants.
The $625,000 Streetscape Improvement Project on Ninth Street has been underway since 2014 and is due to be finished early this year. This effort was a public-private redevelopment project between the city and CPGI Regency LLC to address infrastructure challenges along Ninth Street, including the addition of decorative historic-style street lighting; concrete sidewalks, street furniture and updated trash receptacles on both sides of the street; handicap accessibility ramps; concrete curbs, gutters and drive aprons; and street milling and striping.
