The historic Tryon Theatre is the latest recipient of a Tryon downtown faade grant. Owner Barry Flood utilized the grant opportunity to give the theatre, dating from the late 1930s, a newly improved fresh face on South Trade Street. The faade grant initiative was developed by the Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA), in partnership with the Town of Tryon, and the NC Small Town Main Street (NCSTMS) program.

Designed to encourage the rehabilitation and preservation of the unique character of Tryons central business district, the faade program offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $2,000 for exterior renovations and represents a unique opportunity for building and business owners to make an immediate impact on their most visible marketing device, the commercial facade of their buildings.

Facade monies, provided through a NC Rural Center Economic Innovation Grant, will only cover work to the exterior of buildings in the central business district. Within this limitation, a wide range of projects may be included. For example, the removal of false fronts or awnings that detract from a buildings historic character and/or architectural quality, safe faade cleaning procedures, historic reconstruction, approved awning purchase and installation, structural repairs (except the roof), lighting, signage, and other approved items could be eligible components of restoration projects.

For further information about the downtown faade program, visit the TDDA website at www.downtowntryon.org and/or contact John Walters at jwarchitect@windstream.net or Crys Armbrust at carmbrust@windstream.net.