By Mary Owen
Revitalize Downtown Stayton recently received a $200,000 Main Street Revitalization Grant from the State of Oregon, to be used to improve the facades of buildings in Historic Downtown. The project is funded in part by the State Historic Preservation Office, an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
“During the Oregon Main Street Refresh process RDS has been participating in for the past year, the 300 block of North Third Avenue was identified as a priority for this grant,” said spokesperson Steve Poisson.
“This block was identified in particular because it is a central block of Historic Downtown Stayton. The block has buildings significant to the community such as the city hall, police department, Star Cinema and major
retail space.”
Poisson said all of the property owners have been involved with improvements projects and have the means to provide the required financial match for the grant.
“This grant will bring seven buildings mostly to exterior completion.”
RDS wrote and received a grant from Marion County Economic Development to hire an architect to complete the design work, Poisson said.
“Working closely with the building owners, the architect and RDS developed a cohesive, historically correct design for the rehabilitation,” he added. “The grant will allow this significant work to proceed, with the hope that it will spark further revitalization efforts in historic downtown.”
Poisson said RDS will supervise the project, ensuring compliance with state requirements per the grant. The work was slated to begin in late May, once contracts were signed, he added.
“All building owners hope to have work completed by the end of 2019,” he said. “Look for opportunities to view the architect renderings in several locations and watch for our publicity keeping you up to date on our progress.”
RDS will host a Summer Concert Series in Historic Downtown on June 28, July 19 and August 23, Poisson said.
“Bands, beer garden and food trucks will be at Third Ave and Florence Street from 5:30-10 p.m. each date,” he said. “Admission is free and it’s family friendly.”
For information, visit the RDS website www.downtownstayton.org.
