CityScape’s mission is built around partnerships between the public and private sectors
By Heather Thomas, Upper Cumberland Business Journal
Cookeville CityScape was selected as one of 18 Tennessee Main Street communities to receive a Downtown Improvement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, securing $255,000 to accelerate visible upgrades across the downtown core.
CityScape Executive Director Ferran Kefauver called the award a breakthrough after multiple attempts.
“When CityScape was notified of our grant award, I was in tears with excitement… This amount of funding is so significant, and it truly can make a huge difference in our already beautiful and charming downtown,” said Kefauver.
CityScape’s mission is built around partnerships between the public and private sectors dedicated to revitalizing downtown Cookeville.
“The ECD community grant is a great opportunity for businesses to utilize funds to make improvements that will enhance their buildings and improve our city,” according to Tyler Asher, CityScape Board Member.
Where the $255,000 money goes
- Streetscape beautification (in progress): New hanging baskets now visible downtown (a partnership with the City of Cookeville (est. $35,000).
- Iconic signage: Cream City Sign rewiring (est. $100,000).
- Facade program: $120,000 allocated across eight mini façade projects for downtown buildings/businesses.
Ironstone Capital (IC) will work to improve the Whitson Building on the square in Cookeville.
“We are honored and excited to receive a portion of the Downtown Improvement Grant awarded by Cityscape to improve the Whitson Building on the square. The Whitson Building is home to 12 businesses, 4 of which have storefronts on Broad Street: Poets, The Market on the Square, Keller Williams and Diamond Financial. Most of the funds will be applied to restoring the Poets/Market on the Square sign that flanks the corner of Broad & Jefferson Ave. and replacing deteriorated awnings with new awnings and signage making the businesses more visible from the street and sidewalk. The lighting will also be upgraded on the ceiling of outdoor patio area. We are thankful for the continued partnership with Cityscape as we work together to keep our historic downtown thriving,” according to Tiffany Davidson of Ironstone Capital.
Façade grant recipients:
- AEI / Crawdaddy’s Building: repainting, awning, trim work
- Cookeville Children’s Theater: paint, signage, door/window replacement
- Poet’s Coffee & Market on the Square: awning, lighting, signage
- Wonderfill Refillery: awning, paint, lighting
- Seven Senses: door replacement
- Outdoor Experience: awning, signage
- Ralph’s Donuts: paint
- Poppy & Pearl: signage
According to Kefauver, the organization hopes to compete for future rounds to extend its impact “within the CityScape footprint.”
The National Trust for The Historic Preservation fund revitalizes communities, creates economic opportunities, and protects the places that connect us to our past. The street façades and sign upgrades hopefully will translate into higher foot traffic, stronger retail visibility, and private reinvestment along the city corridor.
The iconic Cream City Sign modernization preserves a heritage landmark that anchors downtown’s brand, while streetscape improvements enhance the pedestrian experience for residents and visitors.
Kefauver says the work will require “a lot of partnerships” that CityScape is prepared to lead.
The nonprofit produces Fall FunFest, which was started in 1996 and has grown to be an amazing draw of a community festival with renowned musicians. The Taste of the Town and City Social are also fundraisers that bring support to other projects, including being the proud caretakers of the historic Cream City Sign.
For more information, contact them at 123 W. Broad Street in Cookeville (931) 528-4612 or visit cookevillecityscape.com.
UCBJ file photo.
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