Main Street Tehachapi awards $9,000 to three downtown businesses

Three downtown businesses have been awarded façade grants by Main Street Tehachapi for improvements made to their businesses or buildings. The checks totaling $9,000 were awarded on Monday, July 17 for work recently completed. Although the grants required matching funds, each of the businesses expenses more than exceeded the maximum of $3,000 per business allowed under the grant program.

Sheridan's Consignment Shop has expanded into an additional location in the 200 block of Tehachapi Boulevard. A complete remodel of the building was accomplished after Trains, etc. closed after many years at that location.

Kohnen's Bakery used the grant funding to replace all the awnings on the front and side of their location and also added a section to provide more shade.

The grant to Big Sky Dwellings helped to restore the historic façade of the old Masonic Lodge on Green Street and add a new street sign to the building. It is slated to house the Tehachapi Branch of the Kern County Library when the interior is completed this fall.

Main Street Tehachapi sponsors events each year as fundraisers to help promote the concept of a vital, walkable downtown community for the surrounding residents and as a center for tourists who visit Tehachapi. The Valentine's Wine Walk in February and the Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Walk in November are the primary fundraisers. Other events include the Trunk or Treat on Halloween for children and the Farmer's Market in the summer. For more information on Main Street Tehachapi, go to the website: mainstreettehachapi.org, or call at (661) 822-6519.