The Gus R. Douglas

Land-Grant Institute

West Virginia State University

Agricultural, Consumer, Environmental & OUtreach Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2009

Contact: Pat McGill

Director, West Side Main Street

304-720-3161

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Institute, WV - West Virginia State University Extension Service's West Side Main Street (WSMS) program has received a $20,000 Community Participation grant from the West Virginia Legislature for facade renovations along the program's designated Washington Street West corridor. This latest award is one of multiple ongoing beautification projects designed to enhance Charleston's West Side.

With the new funding, WSMS will encourage business owners along West Washington Street, as well as those located within one block on either side, to improve the exterior of their buildings by reimbursing up to 50% of their renovation costs. Eligible activities include painting, signage, landscaping, repointing of masonry and brick, and replacement of windows and doors.

"This is our second facade grant," says Pat McGill, Direcotr of West Side Main Street. "So far we have had six facade renovations that are improving the look of the West Side business district."

The Community Participation Grant award is the lastest in a series of beautification projects on the West Side. A recent Economic Stimulus Grant will initiate a streetscape project that will improve looks and accessibility of the corridor's sidewalks over a multi-phase span.

Also, the first public park on the West Side, located on Barton Street,is in the works thanks to a gift of land from the Craft family and a lot purchased by the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority. Already planted and set for completion in the spring of 2010 with the placement of benches, the park includes perennial beds, an urban tree area and picnic tables. Additional funding for the park project came from the West Side Neighborhood Association and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.

West Side Main Street has been organizing community revitalization efforts along Charleston's Washington Street West corridor since its inception in 2005 through a partnership with West Virginia State University Extension Service and the City of Charleston.

Business owners wishing to participate in the facade renovation program must complete an application process. For information, contact Pat McGill at 304-720-3161 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .