The Center has granted more than $28,000 to help Katahdin area businesses and organizations improve their curb appeal, making the region’s main streets inviting to visitors. The 17 improvement projects include signage, painting, lighting, stonework, and places to serve customers. 

“It’s been great working with the Northern Forest Center to create a new façade for my building in downtown Millinocket,” said Randy Jackson, owner of Boreal Theater in Millinocket. “Sometimes it just takes a little nudge and support to change face.” 

“We modeled these grants on a similar program we ran in the Greenville area,” said Mike Wilson, senior program director for the Center. “First impressions matter and we want people to see inviting entrances, clear signage, and the pride that local businesses owners have in what they’re offering. It’s challenging to run a small business and money is always tight, so we offered the grants to inspire owners to invest in their businesses and put their best face forward.” 

Grants – geared toward businesses and organizations in tourism and visitor services — ranged up to $3,000 each, with the recipients investing at least as much as they were awarded, bringing the total investment in area buildings up to $70,000. The Maine Woods Consortium provided $30,000 to fund the program. 

Grant Recipients 

Participants in the façade improvement program include: in Island Pond – Island Falls Historical Society, Katahdin Public Library, and The Slice Restaurant & Va Wo Ja Golf Course; in Mt. Chase — Wilderness Variety and Weezee’s; in Patten – Katahdin Brew Works, Red Moose Gifts, and Veterans Memorial Library in Patten; and in Millinocket – Katahdin Chamber of Commerce, Ktaadin Arts, Moose Woods Guide Service, Boreal Theater, Katahdin Gear Library, Yum Bake Shop, Millinocket Variety, Grateful Mountain Management, Angelo’s Pizza Grille, and Northern Timber Cruisers.  

“I really appreciate the opportunity to give our place of operation a face lift,” said Paul Sannicandro of Moose Woods Guide Service in Millinocket. “This grant will help us revive our appearance and contribute to the vibrant appearance of our community.” 

The public libraries in Island Falls and Patten both received grants for new signage. The Veteran’s Memorial Library, which is in temporary quarters at the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, plans to take their new sign with them once they’re able to move to a new building. “We are all excited to get our new signs finished and installed at our new location at the museum,” said Library Director Julie Buhler.  “This has really given us a boost towards a new direction for our library.”   

“We’re very pleased with the projects that applied for grants,” said Denise DeVoe-Hazelett, Katahdin Program Manager for the Center. “Tourism is a very important part of our region’s economy, and we want to serve our visitors well so they’ll recommend us to friends and come back for another visit.” 

Both the Greenville and Katahdin region façade grant programs are part of the Center’s support for community revitalization and destination development in the Northern Forest.