Chamber to Distribute $20,000 in Grants Among 7 Façade Projects

rot1The Duneland Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Duneland Economic Development Company (DEDC), is pleased to announce 7 projects have been selected to receive façade improvement grants. This year $20,000 will be allocated to the selected projects. Look for improvements to the following establishments:

  • ABL Holdings (Main Street building), 119 S. Calumet
  • Dog Days & Byron’s Barber Shop, 121-123 S. Calumet
  • Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill, 356 Indian Boundary
  • TNT, 209 Broadway
  • Uncle Joe’s Bar & Grill, 361 N. Calumet
  • Val’s Famous Pizza & Grinders, 112 S. 11th St.
  • Weekends, 206 S. Calumet

Funded by the DEDC, the Façade Grant Program fosters and funds projects that will improve the appearance of commercial buildings in the main corridors of Duneland communities. It is the DEDC’s philosophy that funding such projects will draw and increase the number of visitors to downtown areas and enhance the quality of life for local residents. The program requires that a minimum 20% of the project be paid for by the applicant. Grants may be used only for expenses reasonably associated with the exterior rehabilitation of a property, and all building permits must be obtained prior to commencing the project. Recipients submitted detailed budgets which demonstrated good planning and aesthetic cooperation with neighboring businesses. Projects were open to the communities of Burns Harbor, Porter and Chesterton.

“It is exciting to see the improvements made to the businesses year after year. Little by little we are trying to do our part to make the downtown a visibly more welcoming place to our neighbors and visitors.” – Maura Durham, President of the DEDC