Culpeper Renaissance Inc. (CRI) celebrates its incentive plan to support and revitalize the historic downtown corridor. The overall appearance of the downtown buildings weighs heavily on the success of CRI’s ongoing efforts towards downtown economic vitality. Since the inception of the CRI Culpeper Downtown Façade, Interior, Sign and Awning Grant Program in 2014, CRI has distributed $55,998 in grants to downtown business and property owners. This program encourages downtown building, awning and signage improvements ranging from minor repairs to full renovations. The program has been made possible through CRI’s fundraising efforts and dedication to fostering economic growth, community development, and sustainable progress.“The CRI Culpeper Downtown Facade, Interior, Sign and Awning Grant Program is the product of the CRI Board of Directors and volunteers remaining focused on our core goals and supporting positive change. CRI is proud to support retailers’ efforts to improve their image as Culpeper continues to grow and flourish as a great destination town.” state Jennifer Hoehna, CRI Board President.
For the fiscal year ending in 2025, CRI distributed a total of $10,000 in grants to eight downtown businesses for various building and signage improvements. These businesses include Cloverleaf Nook, Final Boss, Haute to Trot, JRS Variety Store, Raven’s Nest Coffee House, The Refinery at 120, Seven on Davis, and Vinosity.
Jessica Jenkins, CRI Executive Director states “I’m thrilled to see this grant program grow. CRI staff and volunteers work hard through our fundraising events and activities to be able to provide revitalization incentive programs that benefit our downtown business and property owners. I look forward to seeing more merchants and building owners take advantage of this grant opportunity.”
The downtown improvement grant program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to property and business owners located within the CRI downtown footprint with maintenance and rehabilitation needs of buildings, awnings and signage. Starting July 1, 2025, the CRI Culpeper Downtown Façade, Interior, Sign and Awning Grant Program will increase its annual budget to $15,000. Grants may be awarded for up to 50% of the total cost of qualified improvement projects for: façades up to $1,500, interior work up to $1,500, signage up to $500, and awnings up to $1,000. The program offers eligible commercial building owners and small businesses the means to undertake exterior and interior improvements they may not be able to afford otherwise.
Final Boss owner, Brian Horner states “Culpeper Renaissance improvement grant program, helped tremendously in funding our new sign for the store. We are grateful that they are here working for small businesses like ours and making Culpeper a better place to shop.” And “Haute to Trot is deeply grateful to CRI for the steadfast commitment to downtown Culpeper and for uplifting small businesses like mine. The support is truly invaluable.” states owner Audrey Curtis.
This coordinated improvement program benefits the downtown commercial district and has the power to not only preserve valuable historic resources but also spur economic growth in the surrounding area. The CRI Façade, Interior, Sign and Awning Grant Program is part of CRI’s downtown revitalization strategy, and historic preservation efforts. CRI’s goal is for this program to be an impactful economic tool for the downtown district.
“The grant support from CRI made a meaningful difference during our rebuild. We used the funding to refresh the exterior of our new storefront and upgrade the interior lighting for our classroom space. These improvements helped us create a welcoming and beautiful space for our customers and workshop attendees. We’re incredibly grateful for this investment in local businesses and the heart of downtown Culpeper.” states owners Andi & Tiffany of Cloverleaf Nook.
CRI recognizes the importance of investing in its local downtown businesses to help them thrive. These businesses are the heart and soul of the Culpeper community and are incubators of opportunity and creativity. Businesses with storefronts greatly benefit from investment in parts of the building that are most visible to the public and face publicly accessible areas such as streets and sidewalks.
Vinosity owner, Kim Kelly “I really appreciate CRI’s assistance with having my broken sign replaced through the utilization of the Facade, Interior, Sign & Awning Improvement Grant Program. It’s another great example of the organization’s investment in our downtown business community.”
The result of these investments are multiple positive benefits to small businesses and our community including creating a more inviting storefront, boosting business attraction, increasing consumer foot traffic and sales, improving energy efficiency, improvement to downtowns unique characteristics, reinvestment into older buildings, and fostering community pride. This, in turn, can lead to job creation, increased tax revenue and a thriving local economy.
Joy Orr, owner of Seven on Davis and The Refinery at 120 “We are always thankful to CRI for providing great resources for renovation funding for our event venues. Keeping our spaces looking great is of utmost importance and these grants make a high standard more attainable.”
Preserving and enhancing downtown historic buildings helps maintain the architectural heritage of the community, showcasing Culpeper’s unique identity and cultural history. “Opportunities like the grant we were awarded by CRI is a tremendous help in revitalizing our historic building. Maintaining a space of this age can be costly, and the funds we received helped to install beautiful new flooring that both protects the structure and allows us to continue serving the community for years to come. We are deeply grateful for CRI’s support and their investment in keeping heritage buildings like ours alive and thriving.” states Raven’s Nest Coffee House owner, Brittney Overby.
Culpeper downtown is the heart of our community. Upgrading facades can instill a sense of pride and ownership among residents, foster community engagement and a positive perception of the area. It encourages people to spend more time downtown, supporting our local businesses and creating a vibrant social environment.