Franklin's Façade Improvement Program fully-funded

FRANKLIN — The downtown Façade Improvement Program is fully funded, and work to complete critical façade improvements to historic storefronts is under way, the city has announced.

These upgrades are due in part to Eversource's purchase of $275,000 of a $400,000 tax credit award from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). In addition Franklin Savings Bank purchased $100.00 in tax credits, and Bank of New Hampshire purchased $25,000.

"Economic Development and redevelopment takes the collaborative efforts of many people and organizations to be successful," said Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield. "We are grateful for the support and work of all our partners. This investment will bring about visible changes to storefronts in our downtown. We invite everyone to visit our small city often to witness and be part of the revitalization efforts as they continue to unfold."

Leading the City's Façade Improvement Project are the Franklin Business and Industrial Development Corporation and nonprofit PermaCityLife, which has purchased seven vacant and underutilized buildings for the purpose of completing significant renovations and attracting new tenants. Several businesses have already committed to occupying the revitalized, mixed-use space, including a sporting goods store, coffee house, software firm, restaurant and brew pub, an art gallery, and Colby-Sawyer College.

"This project is a wonderful example of how public and private partnerships can enrich our communities," said Bill Quinlan, president of Eversource in New Hampshire. "This project to revitalize Franklin's historic downtown and power job creation is exactly the type of initiative Eversource is committed to supporting."

The improvements are being funded by proceeds from the sale of the $400,000 tax credit award from the CDFA. The city of Franklin, FBDIC and PCL thank all the private partners who purchased these tax credits, making this significant investment in Franklin possible.

"This project to enhance the downtown for residents of Franklin and visitors is just the beginning of a long-term plan for the revitalization of historic Franklin Falls," said Jim Aberg, executive director for the Franklin Business & Industrial Development Corporation. "We are thrilled to see this project move forward, and we look forward to welcoming businesses to a vibrant new commercial center."