Downtown Oakland will get a facelift through its inaugural façade and downtown improvement grant program.

The Kennebec County town awarded $25,000 across three businesses. Funded by the town’s downtown tax-increment financing district, the program supports exterior building and site improvements that enhance the visual appeal, accessibility and long-term vitality of the commercial center.

Structured as a dollar-for-dollar required matching reimbursement program, the initial allocation is expected to spur an estimated $81,607 in capital improvements within the downtown district.

“This initiative builds upon recent investments and expanding businesses in the downtown district,” said Town Manager Kelly Pinney-Michaud.

That includes a recent redevelopment and enhancements of the Bank Block building at 46 Main St. and 48-52 Main St.

“These projects represent Oakland’s ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming and resilient downtown,” said Pinney-Michaud.

Paint and signs

HB Insurance, at 56 Main St., will use its share of the award to repaint the front façade of its building.

“This investment helps our businesses maximize our investment and keep our building looking great for years to come,” said Matt Marquis, a principal with the agency.

Maine‑ly Docks, located at 544 Fairfield St., specializes in the design and manufacturing of docks and related structures. It will install a new freestanding roadside sign, a building‑mounted sign and exterior security cameras.

“Enhanced signage and security will help us better serve our customers and create a more welcoming presence in the community,” said Shawn Stevens, the company’s owner.

Central Maine Footcare, at 20 Main St. and owned by Lisa Nelson, will carry out a series of improvements designed to enhance its appearance and signage. The project includes re-siding the building’s front façade, installing a new awning and relocating the business sign to improve site circulation and parking functionality.

TIF funds

The initiative builds on the town’s new downtown tax-increment financing district and its comprehensive plan.

“The launch of Oakland’s first year of the Façade & Downtown Improvement Grant Program marks a major milestone for the community’s commercial core,” said Garvan Donegan, president and CEO of the Central Maine Growth Council.

“This initiative is a critical economic development tool, highlighting the importance of place-based investment to attract new enterprises and stimulate broader private capital investment throughout Oakland’s commercial downtown core,” he noted.

A competitive review process evaluated applicants based on project readiness, community impact and alignment with Oakland’s downtown revitalization goals.