News Release
Reedsport Main Street Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Media Contact:
Rosa Solano, Main Street Liaison
541-271-3603 ext. 1008, mainstreet [at] cityofreedsport.org
Reedsport Main Street Program was awarded $200,000 Grant
Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 27 matching grants worth $5,000,000 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that encourage economic revitalization.
The department funded applications that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development, best fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, and community need.
The Reedsport Main Street Program will receive $200,000 in matching funds for roofs, awnings, electrical and plumbing improvements to seven commercial buildings in downtown Reedsport.
Funded projects include:
- 301 Fir Avenue – Property is currently being occupied by the U.S. Post Office. The grant will assist with replacing its heating system.
- 302 Rainbow Plaza – This property is rumored to have occupied the first Ice House in Reedsport. The grant will assist with a roof replacement.
- 339 Fir Avenue – The historic Welcome Hotel has been restored to include 10 renovated upstairs apartments and two street level commercial spaces. This property will be replacing the metal awning with the grant assistance.
- 417 Fir Avenue & 242 4th Street – Mindpower Gallery will be expanding its retail space and adding new services with the renovation within these two adjoining properties. With the grant assistance, they are adding a new awning to the 4th Street property, as well as updating electrical and plumbing in the interior renovation of the two properties.
- 485 Greenwood Avenue – Formerly the Three Rivers Rebekah Lodge #240, this property was constructed in 1942. The grant will assist with their roof repair project.
- 489 – 495 Fir Avenue – Long-time known as the Old Bank Building, this property has housed a variety of businesses. The grant will assist with the roof replacement.
- 776 E Railroad Avenue – The Umpqua Industrial Supply Co. sits on the far west side of Reedsport’s Historic District. A roof replacement is being assisted with the grant funding.
The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session, and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, and provided an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. The legislature included the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant in the lottery bond package approved in 2021. If funded by the 2023 state legislature, there will be future grant rounds in the 24 -25 biennium. The funds must be used to award grants to participating Oregon Main Street Network organizations to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community revitalization. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the bill.
To learn more about the Reedsport Main Street Program visit www.reedsportmainstreet.com.
Rosa Solano
Main Street Liaison
Reedsport Main Street Program
451 Winchester Ave
Reedsport OR 97467
(541) 271-3603 ext. 1008
mainstreet [at] cityofreedsport.org