Grant helps downtown business get fresh look

SIKESTON — A business in downtown Sikeston will be getting a fresh look thanks to a grant.

Dewitt Embroidery was recently awarded a $1,000 facade grant from Historic Downtown Sikeston and the H. Garwood and Ruth Felker Sharp Community Outreach Fund. The grant will help cover the cost of painting their building, located at 123 N. New Madrid St.

The facade grant dates back to 2008 to help with restoring and preserving historic buildings in Downtown Sikeston. The grant is a matching grant, with $500 awarded from Historic Downtown Sikeston and $500 awarded from the H. Garwood and Ruth Felker Sharp Community Outreach Fund.

Jason Davis, executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston, said there have been a few other businesses over the years receive the grant for helping complete work on their building facades.

“This grant is not limited to just painting,” Davis said. “The money may be used for any exterior building improvements.”

Davis said there is an application process.

“This process includes a review by the Design Committee and the Board of Directors of Historic Downtown Sikeston,” Davis said. “The work must be approved by the City of Sikeston, and (Sikeston) Code Department as well. Once the Board of Directors approves the first $500, there is then a request sent to the H. Garwood and Ruth Felker Sharp Community Outreach Fund for the matching $500.”

There is no limit to the number of grants given each year. Davis said as long as there are funds available, the grants can be offered. When the funds dry up, the grants are not able to be approved and awarded.

The painting of the building will be latest in a series of improvements that are meant to better properties and revitalize the downtown area in Sikeston.

“It amazes me to see so many things happening Downtown, especially with the properties that are being restored,” Davis said. “I truly believe that we will continue to see Downtown grow as these private investors continue to be committed to restoring and preserving what we have. We continue to try to recruit new businesses Downtown and have many things on the horizon.”