ROCHELLE — The City of Rochelle presented a $2,418 check Thursday to Cheri Picked Vintage Owner Cheri Moyers as part of its facade grant program. 

The program covers half the cost of any improvements made to business fronts in town. The antique shop is the most recent recipient. Moyers said improvements included the replacement of a door that now allows for more daylight into the shop and ease of moving larger pieces in and out.  

"I don't know if it was the original door but it was definitely a wooden antique door with a storm door,” Moyers said. “We took that all out and moved the door over so it was easier to get stuff in and out. I think it gives it more of a commercial look. I think any kind of outside improvement always helps people come in and see what we've got."

Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows said the entire downtown has benefitted from the program. The rest of the city is eligible for the facade grants as well. He said the Cheri Picked VIntage building is one of the oldest in town.

“It has not only a lot of history inside, but the structure itself is very historical,” Bearrows said.

Bearrows said the facade program has “immensely” helped a lot of businesses and has created “a lot of” improvements in the facades of older buildings. He’s happy to see businesses making improvements after months of the pandemic. 

"It's amazing,” Bearrows said. “And it's catching. One business does it and the next one does and it continually improves the downtown or any part of town. It's like with houses. We do the program with the lawns and one person gets nominated for a great lawn and all of the sudden the neighbors want to try it. It's a great thing. It's a win-win for everybody."

City Community Development Director Michelle Pease said the program’s new budget starts Jan. 1 and encouraged businesses to apply soon.