Four storefronts brightened up along W. Vernor in Southwest Detroit

A winning combination of private investment from small business-owners and matching grants from the City of Detroit's Office of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization has resulted in more than $100,000 worth of facade improvements along W. Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit.

Paul's Pizzeria, at 7635 W. Vernor at Central, now sports an entirely new exterior look and feel with brick, Pewabic tiles and new signage. The total investment on the project was $24,125, with the business chipping in $11,625. The architectural firm for the job was Steven C. Flum, Inc.

Quinn Evans Architects designed the facade renovation at the Old Red Robin Bar, 8020 West Vernor at Springwells. The project cost $49,990; the property owner invested $20,000. Paint was removed from the building to reveal its original brick and lighting was installed.

Vernor Chiropractic Clinic, at 5901 W. Vernor east of Livernois, got three new signs. The total project cost was $24,000; owner Dr. Rashad Saleh contributed $14,500. The signs were hand-made by the Detroit Design Center.

Last but not least, Southwest Detroit Business Association -- the organization that administers the facade grants -- refreshed their own building, located at 7752 W. Vernor at Springwells, with a new blade sign designed by Hamilton Anderson Associates and and also constructed by DDC. (The facade program is administered by Myrna Segura at SDBA.)

Vittoria Katanski of SDBA sees great hope in the fact that small businesses are investing in their appearance in a time of economic downturn. "Our business owners are so committed to staying in the area, and they're starting to do really cool, modern things to their buildings," she says. "It's awesome that you are starting to see that in our neighborhood."

Source: Vittoria Katanski, SDBA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh