Downtown Vision Inc., the organization created to direct its efforts toward revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville, announced Monday that 10 properties along Laura Street between Monroe Street and Independent Drive will receive grants totaling $100,000 to improve the streetscape.
The grants will be matched by property owners’ investment to bring the total value of the project to $211,000.
The following properties will receive grants for improvements, including awnings, banners, murals, pedestrian signage, landscaping, exterior lighting and sidewalk café furniture:
• The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive.
• Riverwatch Tower, 76 S. Laura St.
• Life of the South Building, 100 W. Bay St.
• Wells Fargo Center, 1 Independent Drive.
• The Jacksonville Bank Building, 100 N. Laura St.
• Elks Building, 201 N. Laura St.
• Chamblin’s Uptown, 215 N. Laura St.
• Gus and Co. Shoe Repair, 225 N. Laura St.
• Magnificat Café, 231 N. Laura St.
• Greenleaf Building, 206 N. Laura St.
“As the organization that is focused on bringing Downtown to life through a variety of programs, we’re excited about these additional improvements to Laura Street and believe this grant program will serve as a model that can be replicated on other streets,” said Terry Lorince, DVI executive director.
The selection of Laura Street as the initial façade improvement program was based on the City of Jacksonville’s recent improvements.
“The City has done a great job making the street and sidewalks more attractive. Our goal is to further enhance the pedestrian environment by making the building facades more attractive and welcoming, and improving how the buildings relate to the sidewalk,” said Lorince.
For more information about Downtown Vision, visit www.downtownjacksonville.org.