PCDC Awards First Impressions Grant to Downtown Business

Real Estate Connection is the first recipient of PCDC’s new First Impressions Grant and will soon begin updating its storefront with a new look.

“We have been wanting to improve our façade for some time, and the grant just gave us a little push,” said Kim Klein, who owns the business along with her husband, Jeremy.

The Real Estate Connection project will include replacing doors, a window, siding and shake shingles on the exterior of the business.

The Kleins have also applied for a USDA energy efficiency grant to help cover the cost of a new window to solve the problem of wind and cold blowing into the business during the winter.

Klein said the one-page application for the First Impressions Grant through PCDC was simple, and they waited for less than a month to hear if they were approved. She said materials for the remodel have been ordered, and construction will begin as soon as the materials arrive. They have hired Edgren Construction of Holdrege as the contractor for the job.

The First Impressions Grant offers up to $1,000 for exterior updates to any Phelps County business if the project that would result in improving the community’s first impression. The grant funds must be used for materials only and may be used for windows, paint, awnings, masonry or minor exterior repairs and lighting.

For more information, please contact Carley or Ron at PCDC 995-4148 or visit the website HERE.