Multiple storefronts will sport new, custom awnings by year‐end—part of a $300K public‐private façade revival led by the Downtown Natchez Alliance

“The awning project is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together in Natchez. We were among the earliest, if not the first, investors in the Downtown Master Plan when that process started in 2015. Now, 10 years later, here we are, present and participating in a the downtown revival.”

Paul “Green” Green
Realtor, Paul Green Real Estate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHEZ, MS – Colorful new awnings are appearing along Main, Franklin, Commerce, and Canal Streets this summer as the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) rolls out the first visible phase of its Balcony, Awning, and Façade Incentive Grant Program. Made possible by the Downtown Natchez Alliance, the projects are funded by a $161,400 award of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to DNA by the Mississippi Main Street Association through the Mississippi Legislature, in combination with private investment dollars from the individual property owners. Ultimately, the program will deliver more than $300,000 in balcony, awning, and facade improvements to the Historic Downtown Natchez District.

The newest wave of awning installations is already brightening the district: a refined black canopy now crowns Wyatt Waters Gallery (101 N Commerce St.); a bold royal blue awning frames Soirée Boutique (505 Main St.); a fresh green cover shades Pig Out Inn Barbeque (116 S Canal St.); five matching black entry awnings accent Paul Green Real Estate’s downtown branch (419 Main St.); and an eye‐catching white‐and‐black‐striped canopy at Consign & Design (121 N Commerce St.).

Long-time merchant Sissy Atkins Blackwood of Consign & Design was eager to express her enthusiasm: “I’m very excited—it’s exactly what I wanted. I wanted it to be more of a French look, in keeping with what I do inside my store.” Echoing his wife’s excitement, Marc Blackwood remembers that 20 years ago the 100 block of North Commerce had become little more than an alley between Main and Franklin, “but Sissy knew it could one day return to being the heart of the commercial district that it had been historically. And look at it now. It’s not only the literal center of the city, it’s the designated Arts District and it’s coming back. We’re here for the long haul.”

New downtown resident Paul “Glenn” Green shares Blackwood’s enthusiasm. “The awning project is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together in Natchez,” said Green. His company, Paul Green Real Estate, was started by his father, Paul Green, 75 years ago. For the past 50 years, the main office has been located on Highway 61 South, but Glenn has long wanted a downtown branch. “In fact, we were among the earliest, if not the first, investors in the Downtown Master Plan when that process started in 2015,” said Glenn. “Now, 10 years later, here we are, present and participating in the downtown revival.” Glenn and his wife Bridget live above the new branch office in a downtown flat. “We are really enjoying the lifestyle of living on Main Street. We love being part of downtown, collaborating with our neighbors, building community, and moving downtown forward.”

“These awnings are more than décor—they’re a signal that Downtown Natchez is investing in itself,” says Leah Hunter, Executive Director of DNA. “It’s a tremendous show of confidence in downtown,” she continues. Launched in June 2024, the overall program attracted 37 owner applications totaling over $1,000,000 in facade enhancements. “Currently, 29 separate awnings at 19 different properties are in the works,” Hunter notes. “The first installations are now complete, bringing architectural definition, color, and SHADE back to downtown sidewalks—just in time for the hottest part of the summer season,” she adds. Later this fall, work will begin on up to five balcony and façade restoration projects.

The initiative supports DNA’s core transformational strategies of placemaking and downtown residential living—making Downtown the place you want to be,” Hunter explains. “Thanks to ARPA recovery funds and the willingness of local property owners to match them, we’re creating a more walkable, visitor‐friendly streetscape that supports downtown living and our merchants year‐round,” she assures.

Mayor Dan Gibson applauds the program’s success, emphasizing that it reflects the deep love and dedication Natchezians have for their downtown. “I am so proud of this collaboration between our Downtown Natchez Alliance and our downtown merchant community,” says Mayor Gibson. “Believe me, I know how complex and tedious these state and federal grants can be. The perseverance of DNA and our merchants is truly paying off in a beautiful way—enhancing downtown’s charm, one storefront at a time.”

DNA’s ARPA Team, including Liz Dantone, Ben Hillyer, Carter Burns, Brenda Zerby, and Chesney Doyle, has coordinated closely with business owners and contractors throughout the project. The Downtown Natchez Alliance encourages residents and visitors to come downtown, admire the fresh awnings, and rediscover the shops and eateries that make the district special. From a quick coffee break to an evening stroll, the revitalized streetscape is one more reason Downtown is the place you want to be.

What’s Next

• Completion timeline: All awnings will be installed by December 2025; the program’s first balcony and façade renovations move into construction later this year and will wrap up in 2026.