Restaurant 5 de Mayo, 221 W. Randolph, received a face lift thanks to a Main Street Enid program.

The program, Facade Renovation Grant, is being reinstated to improve visual appearance and strengthen the character of downtown Enid, according to a release. It encourages historically accurate improvements within Maine Street Enid boundaries, according to a release.

Building owner Eva Habibi accepted paint color advice from Main Street Enid, qualifying her for a renovation grant, according to a release.

History Makers are individuals who donated at least $100 for one year. Facade Renovation Grants are funded by History Makers, according to the release. History Maker funding goes toward grants and revitalizing downtown Enid.

Main Street Enid was formed in 1994, and part of its mission pertains to facade renovations. In 1997, Lynn Smith renovated the facade of 220-222 W. Randolph.

“They discovered how much could be accomplished with a little help, and realized that improvement is contagious,” said Tompkins. “Before they knew it, the north side of 200 W. Randolph had gone from the worst to the first. Those efforts are still yielding results, and the efforts made downtown today would have less impact if these improvements hadn’t been made.”

Since Main Street Enid began, more than $38 million in private reinvestment has taken place downtown, and that does not include city or county projects.

Paint, windows and doors, lighting, awnings, brick and other items qualify for eligibility.

For information, go to mainstreetenid.org.

Story by:  Enid News & Eagle

Written by:  Emily Summars