More than 20 businesses in Utica, N.Y., are getting help improving the look and performance of their storefronts, and that is good news for local brick, block, and stone work.
City officials announced $350,000 in grant funding through Utica’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program. The funding reimburses project costs tied to exterior improvements, including masonry repairs, new signage, updated lighting, window and door replacements, and exterior painting.
In a statement, Mayor Michael Galime framed the program as a way to strengthen Utica’s small-business economy by investing in the physical presence of storefronts and commercial corridors. The mayor’s office also said the program pairs public funding with private investment from property owners to support foot traffic, preserve historic building elements, and spur local economic growth. The city said 22 recipients across Utica’s commercial districts were selected for awards.
For mason contractors, programs like this turn small storefront projects into steady work that keeps main streets intact. Masonry repairs on older commercial buildings frequently include repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged brick or stone units, rebuilding cracked steps, and addressing failing lintels at doors and windows. Storefront work also brings moisture management into focus, since water entry at sills, joints, and parapets drives staining, spalling, and interior damage.
Because the grants reimburse eligible costs, clean documentation matters. Property owners and contractors need a clear scope of work, photos of existing conditions, and invoices that match the approved repairs. When historic elements are part of the project, matching existing masonry materials and joint profiles helps keep the façade consistent and avoids patchwork results on the street.
Read the full, original article from WKTV here.