Clayton — Renovations to Cider House Studio might have taken just two days, but the effects will last much longer.

Siblings Holley and Brandon Carpenter made the renovations last month with financial help from the town’s Downtown Facade Improvement Grant. They are the first business owners to take advantage of the grant, which reimburses 50 percent of project costs up to $5,000. Last week, the town presented the Carpenters with a $2,000 check, half the cost of the renovations they made.

“If it weren’t for this grant program, this project would not likely have happened,” said Jeme Avent, vice chairman of the Downtown Development Association’s Design Committee. “Although they are a new business and don’t even own the building, Holley and Brandon recognize the importance that the appearance of a building can play in the success of their business.”

The Carpenters wanted Cider House to be a real eye-catcher for the public. But the old design — cream-colored cinderblock and one lonely window on the second floor — was not cutting it. The siblings decided to take advantage of the grant program.

“How many times are you going to get someone to pay 50 percent?” Holley asked. “Normally, you have to do it yourself, so for the Downtown Development Association to even offer the incentive of a grant is great. If you are even thinking of doing it, do it now.”

Three weeks ago, the Carpenters hired Corker Construction to transform the building. The improvements included adding wood-framed shutters on the second floor, dentil molding and trim to the top of the building, a new metal mailbox and flower boxes beneath the storefront windows. The building got a coat of light-green paint, while the shutters are a slightly darker green. Still to come is new signage for the architectural design firm.

The tenant who lives in the upstairs apartment was impressed with the changes, Holley said. “She was standing there looking at it, and she said ‘That is wonderful,’” Holley said. “She said, ‘I love it, and it makes my house look better.’”

To learn more about the grant program, call Bruce Naegelen, director of downtown development, at 553-1545 or visit All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.