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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 15, 2006 Sprucing up downtown Two 1920s buildings in Medford's historic district make their pitches for fa�ade renovation By Meg Landers Mail Tribune Owners of a popular Mexican restaurant and of a billiard/pool parlor in Medford's downtown's historic district aim to renovate their 1920s buildings with approval by the city and the help of the city's urban renewal agency. Habañeros on Front Street and Rack 'Em on Riverside Avenue are going before the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission Monday to get the OK on proposed façade improvements. The commission review is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St., Medford. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency has agreed to help both with matching grants. Work has begun on Rack 'Em, in the 1926 Medford Auto Works building, which has removed its exterior metal paneling and old awning. "We're excited about it," said David Smith, owner of Rack 'Em, adding that renovation costs could reach $50,000. He said he will re-create the original stucco façade and put up three new awnings and a neon sign. And he'll keep the storefront icon. "The plan is for the shark to be in the window," he said. Advertisement George Kramer, historic preservation consultant who also works with MURA on its façade improvement program, said he's glad to see Rack 'Em and the former Hubbard's Hardware buildings both getting spruced up because Riverside Avenue can use a face lift. Tim Tolman, owner of Habañeros, estimates he'll spend $30,000 to $35,000 on the renovation of the 1928 F.F. Burk Tent and Awning Works building. "I'd like to get started before winter sets in," said Tolman. He said his building originally had a glass storefront, which he will rebuild. He also plans to paint the building a darker adobe color and put up new awnings. 's façade improvement program provides up to $37,500 in matching grants for buildings in the historic district. "To date there have been 76 applications and 45 buildings have been completed," said Eric Iversen, MURA's senior planner. MURA has given $590,000 of public funding to the renovation projects, and business owners have paid more than $4 million — almost $7 in private funding for every tax dollar spent. MURA contributed $15,000 for the $45,253 renovation of the Joseph Winans building on West Main and Fir streets and $37,500 for the $80,533 renovation of Heritage Motors on Third Street and Central Avenue. Iversen said the agency has not determined the amount it will grant for the two new projects and will decide after the project bids come in. But the future of the façade improvement program is unknown. "Whether or not it's going to get funded will be decided through the typical budget process," said Iversen, adding that the 2007-08 budget will be put together in the spring. MURA has shifted its focus to Middleford Commons, an ambitious, public/private redevelopment project planned between Central and Riverside avenues and Main and Jackson streets that would have Lithia Motors' national headquarters as its anchor. MURA officials have said the shift means some of MURA's projects, such as the façade improvement program, may have to go. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com