This project would allow us to work with businesses, property owners, and the town and state in making facade improvements and new or improved business signage feasible for all Main Street commercial buildings. This would enhance the overall aesthetic by working with individual business and property owners to update to custom hanging signs where possible. We would also like to include facade painting and/or maintenance for buildings in need.

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[rescue_tab title=”WHAT”]

• Work with businesses, property owners, town and state in making facade improvements and new or improved business signage feasible for all Main Street commercial buildings
  • Enhancing the overall aesthetic by working with individual biz/prop to update to custom hanging signs where possible
  • Expand/enhance branding and visibility for businesses
  • Fresh painting and/or maintenance for buildings in need
• Specifically begin working out a plan for the Hatch Block building, our single eyesore

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[rescue_tab title=”WHY”]

• Bristol is particularly lucky to have a full Main Street, including 2nd floor office and living spaces. The condition and appearance of the buildings and signage, however, are mixed, ranging from freshly painted to weather-worn to unsightly and new, attractive signage to poorly executed or old signage to none at all. Improving upkeep and aesthetic considerations would enhance the look of the entire street.
• Town Plan –
  • Economic Development: Policies 11, 20
    • Encourage efforts to improve the downtown retail and business climate.
    • Encourage property owners to search for innovative and\or affordable ways in which access to individual businesses and retail establishments can be improved or altered.
• Ends Statement – All buildings on Main Street will have facades that look well-maintained, and businesses will have unique, attractive signage that also contributes to a cohesive “look” for the whole street. Businesses will enjoy increased traffic as visitors are attracted by the fresh look.

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[rescue_tab title=”WHERE”]

• Main Street, and nearby, buildings and associated retail/office facades and signs.

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[rescue_tab title=”WHO”]

• Team – Primary: Design, Secondary: Economic Development
• Partners – The following municipal bodies and local organizations are likely to be involved:
  • Selectboard, Design Review Board
  • Property owners & business owners
  • Revolving Loan Fund
  • Small Business Development Center
• Beneficiaries – Downtown business owners will see increased visitor traffic as their buildings appear more well-maintained, their signage more attractive, and the street as a whole more welcoming. Property owners with improved buildings will find it easier to attract and retain tenants.

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[rescue_tab title=”HOW”]

• Participate with Bristol CORE
• Potential Funding Sources
  • Revolving Loan Fund
  • Downtown and Village Center Tax Credits
  • Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit
  • State Historic Preservation Grants
• Timeline – estimate of what might happen each year from 1-5 to move this project toward completion
  • 2016 – summer walkabout, inventory buildings and businesses “in need,” start talking with Revolving Loan Fund about specifically incorporating and encouraging facade improvements in their lending
  • 2017 – hopefully start seeing some projects get underway

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