HPF Grant Awarded

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777

Date: 07/10/17

RE: HPF Grant Received

TOCCOA, GA, July 10, 2017- Main Street Toccoa is pleased to announce that it has received a 2017 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division.

Funds from this grant will be used to complete Phase II of the City of Toccoa’s citywide historic resources survey. Phase I of this survey was completed in 2015 and focused on Downtown Toccoa. Phase II will focus on Toccoa’s Northwest Quadrant, which is bounded by the railroad tracks and the Toccoa Main Street Project District on the south, the Big A Road and Prather Bridge Road on the east, and the Toccoa city limits on the north and west. The City of Toccoa was one of seven cities to be awarded HPF grant funding in the State of Georgia.

The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources serves as Georgia’s state historic preservation office. Its mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia.  HPD’s programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, the National Register of Historic Places, community planning and technical assistance.

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.  

For more information about funds received, please contact Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton at 706.898.5777.

###

GCA Grant Awarded

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777

Date: 07/10/2017

RE: Main Street Toccoa Awarded 2017 GCA Grant

TOCCOA, GA, July 10, 2017 – Main Street Toccoa is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a 2017 Partner Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) for the purpose of programming at its Historic Ritz Theatre at the Schaefer Center.

This grant will be used to fund “Night at the Ritz,” a performing arts series that will showcase 6 artists over 6 months. “Night at the Ritz” will feature a diverse selection of artists and genres and will establish a regular schedule of programming at the Historic Ritz Theatre. Stay tuned to Main Street Toccoa’s official Facebook page and www.ritztheatretoccoa.com for programming announcements. “Night at the Ritz” would not be possible without the assistance of the Georgia Council for the Arts.  

The Main Street Office is happy to answer any questions regarding its awarding of the GCA Partner Grant. Please contact Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton at 706.898.5777 for inquiries.

###

South Arts Grant Awarded

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777

Date: 07/03/17

RE: South Arts Grant Received

TOCCOA, GA, July 3, 2017- Main Street Toccoa is pleased to announce that it has received a Launchpad grant from South Arts for programming at the Historic Ritz Theatre and more.

Funds from this grant will be used to send Main Street staff to network at the annual Performing Arts Expo (PAE) and to book a 2017 PAE juried showcase artist at the Ritz. Additionally, Main Street Toccoa staff will have the opportunity to work with a mentor in continuing to develop programming at the Ritz. According to the official South Arts website, “The arts are integral to the robust economic, social, cultural and educational vitality of the South. This belief guides the activities of South Arts, a nonprofit regional arts organization with a mission to advance excellence in the arts, connect the arts to key state and national policies, and nurture a vibrant quality of life. We invite you to join us in building a better South through the arts.”

For more information about funds received, please contact Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton at 706.898.5777.

###

RBDG Grant Awarded

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777

Date: 06/19/17

RE: Rural Business Development Grant Awarded

TOCCOA, GA, June 19, 2017 – Main Street Toccoa is happy to officially announce that it has been awarded a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $50,000 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for infrastructure upgrades at the Historic Ritz Theatre. Funding for this project will be used to complete balcony upgrades, plaza upgrades, and dressing room upgrades.

Upon receipt of the grant, Community Development Director Connie Tabor said, “The City of Toccoa has made it a 2017 goal to complete infrastructure improvements at the Ritz. This additional seating and renovation work will continue to promote the Ritz Theatre as the economic anchor for Downtown Toccoa.”

In 2016, the Ritz Theatre held 123 shows with 19,444 in attendance. This doubles 2015 show numbers and triples 2015 attendance numbers. Continued renovation work at the Ritz Theatre has contributed to the quality of life and economic vitality of Historic Downtown Toccoa. Upon completion of these infrastructure upgrades, patrons of the Ritz Theatre will be able to use the renovated balcony to view performances. It is expected that approximately 90 seats will be added to the capacity of the Ritz Theatre, which is currently able to hold 362 individuals.

For more information regarding the receipt of the RBDG grant, please contact Christian Hamilton at the Main Street office at 706.898.5777

###

Historic Plaque Dedication: Andrews-Hamby Men's Store

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777

RE: Historic Plaque Ceremony, Andrews-Hamby Men’s Store- 06/05/17

TOCCOA, GA – The eighth historic plaque in the 2016-2017 series of plaques dedicated to downtown buildings was unveiled on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 5 p.m., at the former location of the Andrews-Hamby Men’s Store, located at 20 Doyle Street.

The plaque ceremony was short and memorable, drawing downtown business owners, local citizens, and city officials. Several poignant stories were shared regarding this historic downtown storefront. Main Street Toccoa is honored by the attendance of Mrs. Margaret Andrews, the wife of Jim Andrews, owner of the Andrews-Hamby Men’s Store, at the historic plaque dedication.

 The historic plaque program highlights ten historic buildings in Toccoa, and the remaining plaques are set to follow each month. Once all plaques have been installed, they will be added to Main Street Toccoa’s Historic Walking Tour Guide.

The Main Street Office is happy to answer any questions regarding the Historic Plaque Program. Please contact Christian Hamilton at 706.898.5777 for inquiries.

###

From Left to Right: Jonah Yang, Connie Tabor, Amber Nedreberg, Tony Andrews, Margaret Andrews, David Austin, Michelle Austin, Vicky King, Gary Cortellino