CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton’s Façade Grant Program is revitalizing Downtown Clayton, creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. By assisting businesses in improving their storefronts, the program is strengthening the sense of community and making downtown a more inviting destination.
Recent grant recipients have breathed new life into the area, offering revitalized spaces that reflect the Town’s character and charm. Leaf Plant Shop (112 North Church Street) stands out with a new layer of paint, adding a fresh visual dimension to the heart of downtown.
Owner Amy Read noted, “When we first opened, customers had trouble finding us because the building blended in with its surroundings. After learning about its history, we realized it deserved to be highlighted. Built in 1911, it’s a significant part of Downtown Clayton’s past. It even once served as the Town’s post office.”
The impact of façade grants are felt not only by business owners but by the entire downtown community. Following a complete revitalization of the entire historic Carroll Building, the buildings lower-level tenant, Fare Game (218 East Main Street, Suite 101), has used the façade grant to transform its storefront into an inviting gathering place with new signage, lighting, and a back patio for outdoor dining. The improvements have helped shape its identity, and the business was recently recognized with the 2024 Best New Downtown Business Award, presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association.
Meanwhile, BLVD West (316 East Main Street) and Burney’s Sweets and More (312 East Main Street) have created open, inviting spaces with retractable windows that connect their interiors to the vibrant street life.
Jaclyn Finn, co-owner of BLVD West and Burney’s Sweets and More, emphasized the broader impact: “Creating an inviting outdoor space isn’t just for business. It’s about fostering connections within the community. That’s the experience we wanted to offer downtown.”…