IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, June 28, 2008 - New windows and siding are being installed at Creative Spirits Rubber Stamping and Scrap booking on North Lowell Street in downtown Ironwood. C & S Construction and Remodeling, Incorporated of Ironwood is doing the work, and their workmanship appears to be exceptional. They are fully insured and they stand behind their work. If you have a job that needs to be done, and you would like to get an estimate call (906) 364- 0790.

Becky Schwartz and Karen Ely are co-owners of the bustling business on the corner of Lowell and Frederick Streets. The building was originally Laird's Lumber Company, but most recently was the home of the Fabric Patch before they moved to McLeod Avenue. While I was taking the photos of the building outside, Becky stuck her head out of the window and said, "Hi Jim! I love my new windows!" She is obviously thrilled with the facade improvements.

The upgrading is part of the City's Facade Grant program. The City was able to secure MSHDA grant money to enhance facades throughout the downtown. The legwork for the facade grant program was primarily done by former Community Development Director Pat Merrill and Assistant Community Development Director Jane Bowman.

The first two phases of the program have improved the following businesses: (1) Pizza King Joe's - resided with new windows and an awning; (2) Coleman Engineering - new soffits; (3) Mattson's T.V. and Appliance Store - new front windows; and (4) North Light Photography - new front windows. The City of Ironwood was awarded the maximum grant amount allowed of $200,000 for Phase I of the project. The grant is a "dollar for dollar match" so the property owners are required to pay 50% of the cost of the improvements to their buildings. That means a total of $400,000 in Downtown improvements will result from that phase. Phase II of the grant totaled $130,178, so $260,356 in total improvements will be realized, bringing the grand total for both phases of the project to $660,356.

On Friday, June 27, 2008 at 8:00 AM, Community Development Director Dan Petersen explained Phase III of the Project to business owners that expressed interest in facade improvements. The City welcomes any and all downtown businesses to submit applications. For more information contact either Dan Petersen or Jane Bowman at (906) 932-5050.

Jim Albert