Downtown Onancock Businesses awarded funds to improve facades 

Onancock Main Street (OMS) has awarded $35,000 to nine downtown Onancock businesses to improve the public-facing exteriors of their buildings.

Through a highly competitive process, 18 businesses submitted applications totaling $63,000, more than the $35,000 available for awards. Funds were made available through a Virginia Main Street Downtown Investment Grant.

OMS’ goals in requesting the grant funds included visually improving public-facing exterior spaces to encourage economic growth and visitation in Onancock’s downtown business district and supporting high-quality redevelopment, beautification and historic preservation.

“The number of applications clearly demonstrates the high level of interest among our businesses to create a more inviting downtown area for residents and visitors,” said Cindy Mackey, chair of the OMS Economic Vitality Committee. “Based on the enthusiastic response, OMS will apply for more grant funds from Virginia Main Street for additional public-facing improvements.”

Most grants that were awarded included a significant match contribution by the property owners, which translates into even more investment in downtown Onancock. Power washing was a consistent request throughout many of the businesses’ submissions. OMS is working to identify a vendor interested in helping the downtown businesses and will coordinate the effort.

Grantee Locations and Projects

• 2 & 4 North Street (replace bricks, repaint mortar joints, remove rusted steel, clean/acid wash brickwork, restore window, paint window trim) $5,000
• 51 Market Street (masonry repair, door/window replacements, painting/caulking, trim repair) $5,000
• 57 Market Street (window replacement, door repair/replacement, trim repair/replacement) $5,000
• 40 Market Street (new signs, door trim repair/replacement, unify building appearance) $5,000
• 20 Market Street (replace showroom and double hung windows) $5,000
• 34 Market Street (new Americans with Disabilities Act entry door, refreshed signage $5,000
• 33 Market Street (replace rotting wood trim, paint trim) $2,500
• 37 Market Street (repaint metal awning) $1,500
• 46 King Street (new sign, exterior lighting) $1,000

OMS is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that works with the town and other partners to ensure the continued vibrancy and preservation of historic downtown Onancock. OMS is accredited with Main Street America and Virginia Main Street, a network committed to strengthening and reenergizing downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across America. To read more about OMS or donate, visit experienceonancock.com/donate.