New signage at The Emerson.
Believe it or not, looks matter! Of course, we are talking about the appearances of storefronts on Myrtle Avenue. Having a distinct storefront can quickly engage customers as to what a business sells or what services are offered. Not only that, but the look of a storefront can help define an identity in a neighborhood business corridor, such as Myrtle Avenue.
With this in mind, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID continues to offer grant money to local businesses through their Storefront Improvement Grant program. This past year, the BID awarded $15,000, assisting six local businesses with improvement projects. This mutually beneficial program helps Myrtle Avenue business improve their appearance but providing technical assistance and funding to help update storefront signage, remove solid roll-down security gates, and in some cases, sidewalk cafes.
Below is a rundown of some of the businesses who the program assisted this past year:
Villa Pancho
472 Myrtle Avenue
The bright colors and artistic design of the signage help make this Mexican restaurant pop. And their new lighted TACOS sign is there to help, serving as a beacon for those late-night taco runs.
The Emerson
561 Myrtle Avenue
This local bar used their grant money to get new “The Emerson” lettering on their window. They also used the funds to give a fresh coat of striking red paint to their doors, ensuring no one passes by this favorite watering hole.
Tipsy
584 Myrtle Avenue
Tipsy went big and used their funds toward updating their security roll down gates. Now people can still do a little wine window-shopping, even while the shop is closed! These gates help to keep customers engaged, even when down, while also allowing light from the shop to illuminate the street at night which lends an extra sense of security for local residents walking by at night.
Vitality Health & Wellness Bar
Vitality, a relatively new business in the neighborhood, made sure their signage would command attention! Signage placed at different angles assures that no one will miss it while out on Myrtle Avenue.
Brazils Waxing Center
362 Myrtle Avenue
This shop, which recently celebrated their Grand Opening, installed signage that not only conveys the services they offer but allows people to see into their immaculate facilities.
Hudson Jane
360 Myrtle Avenue
Hudson Jane got creative and used their funds to create an outdoor seating area for their café. Now that they have extended their hours and offer dinner, their customers can enjoy street-side seats during the day or at night. And who doesn’t love a meal while people watching on one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Brooklyn?!
Since the inception of the Storefront Improvement Grant program, in 2005, the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District has awarded over $103,000 to more than 75 businesses along Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush Avenue Extension to Classon Avenue.
Grant funding is still available! Business owners in the Myrtle Avenue BID are invited to apply for a BID Storefront Grant by contacting the BID at hello@myrtleavenue.org or (718) 230-1689, #1.
