Downtown facade project begins with work at US Bank

 The construction lifts are out and the improvements have begun. 

Part one of Red Oak’s downtown revitalization project is underway. The first phase includes facade improvements of 19 properties. 

A Community Block Development Grant primarily pays for the improvements to properties in phase one. The grant will cover 75 percent of the project’s cost and individual business owners and assistance from the Downtown Urban Renewal Board will cover the residual 25 percent. 

Businesses included in the first phase of the project are properties not in the current flood zone. Part two will include 11 properties in the flood zone. Because these properties are in the flood zone, CDBG funds cannot be used to make improvements to the buildings. 

Architect Daric O’Neal, of Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, said the bid for the project went to McKee Construction of Denison and the first phase is slated to be completed in October. 

Businesses that will receive a facelift during the first phase include Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, Butik, Tiger Land Video, Chen’s Kitchen, ReDesigned, Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association, US Bank, Tangles Salon, Red Oak Printing, Pudgy Pumpkin Patch Gift Shop, Parker Norris Miller, Inc., H&R Block and East Star Drop Auction. 

The project will also comprise of other empty or rented buildings.

Several buildings will receive new storefronts, which involves new glass and doors. According to O’Neal, these new storefronts will be built for energy efficiency. 

Most businesses will have a new coat of paint, accent paint or a repainted trim. Many will also have new signage, masonry repointing and some architectural detail repairs. 

The construction company has begun work on some buildings around the square. Materials have been ordered and O’Neal is meeting with property owners in the coming weeks to finalize paint color schemes. 

Phase two of the facade project will be up for bid for a construction company in the near future. This part will include properties on the south side of Coolbaugh Street such as Victorian Village Apartments and the Red Oak Grand Theatre. 

There will be a groundbreaking ceremony on April 22 during the chamber coffee on the square.