More than 25 buildings downtown in the King and Whiteman streets areas were painted during the fall.
“We appreciate Benjamin Moore and all they have done,” said Steve Brodsky, the city development director. “Not only for the physical improvements they have made along Main Street, but for again reminding the larger public that Main Street does matter. That downtowns are important and that the backbone of our country really are our small businesses.”
This week a videographer filmed the buildings that were painted and interviewed business owners and city officials, said Kelly Sinatra, a company spokeswoman. The other communities that won also will be included in the film.
“The documentary is capturing that content so we can splice it all together and be able to showcase all of the beautification efforts that have taken place,” she said.
Downtown business owner Tori Lane was one of the first business in the city to have her building painted as part of the Main Street project.
Lane opened her design and photography business, T. Lane Designs Limited, in September and could not afford to paint the outside of the building on her her own.
“It really brought everyone together,” Lane said. “It really brought a new life to our downtown showcasing our stores.”
The company also helped to attract people to the downtown area with its Celebrate Xenia event in November which promoted the businesses and their new looks, she said.
“Obviously for the City of Xenia its been a terrific project,” Brodsky said. “To be the only community in Ohio to be chosen to participate in this initiative I think speaks volumes for the people here … I think it shows there was a lot of support in the community for improving our downtown area.”
About the Author