Sparta Businesses are Lookin’ Good

Notice the amazing changes in Sparta commercial buildings lately?

Some of the major changes are due in part to the Village of Sparta Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Property Enhancement Grant program for exterior enhancements to commercial buildings within the DDA District. The program has generated over $250,000 of investment from business owners into the exterior of their buildings over the past two years. The investment from property owners in their buildings is important for the vitality of Sparta business and the enhancements are having a major effect on the image of Sparta.

Round Again, the downtown business at 213 E. Division, has become a historical focal point for downtown Sparta after the completion of the DDA grant program in 2007. By taking the architectural history into account, the property owners, Howard and Joan Lettinga, decided to restore the exterior to its original size as built in 1907. By removing a 1940’s addition, the Lettinga’s found the original building sign in the façade of the building as the doorway header reading “N.A. Shaw Palace Livery 1907”. As a building that has served many different businesses over the years, including a Drayage Business (the hauling of a load by a low built cart by horses), a Livery Barn, Fields Transfer Line, a farm implement business, a John Deere equipment repair operation, a beauty shop, real estate office, accounting business, and photo shop, the building was finally purchased in 1984 as a consignment/ resale business by the Lettinga’s. As 2007 marked the hundredth year for the historic building in downtown Sparta, the Lettinga’s celebrated by restoring the building to its historic exterior and continuing the legacy of the historical building in downtown Sparta.

Another example of the DDA grant program is the major exterior improvements on the building at 530 S. State Street that currently houses Spectrum Health, Mel Trotter, LA Insurance, and the Secretary of State. Through the DDA Grant Program, the 530 S. State Street building underwent major façade improvements that included adding new façade materials, raised the height of the front façade to hide equipment, and correlated the businesses on the property. The improvements are remarkable and the project has made major improvements to the South State Street corridor.

Maxine’s Family Restaurant, at 370 N. State Street, is another example of success for the DDA Grant Program. Through major façade improvements, parking lot enhancements, streetscape improvements, and landscaping work, the business has made a major impact on the North State Street corridor and improve the exterior of the visual appeal of the restaurant. Maxine’s Family Restaurant has changed their image and look through the DDA Grant Program. The before and after photos show the extreme results of the project undertaken in 2008.

Interested in the 2009 DDA Property Enhancement Grant program? Businesses must meet grant guidelines and meet with the Property Enhancement Grant committee before applications are accepted. Grant guidelines are online under Assisting Businesses at www.spartami.org.