Chemical cleaning of building exteriors and tree-trimming along McComb’s Main Street is expected to begin soon, now that all property owners approve of a two-bank project to improve the buildings’ looks.
Sam Sanders, an executive with Pike National Bank, said Friday he’s just awaiting return for “several” signed agreements for the $100,000 work to get moving.
“I am hopeful that by (next) mid-week we will have all of that finalized,” he said.
More than two weeks ago, he announced a 50/50 partnership with local rival First Bank to upgrade the external appearance of buildings along the long-suffering street for the extended block between Broadway and Front Street. He also said work will be offered from Front Street to Railroad Boulevard.
“This is home,” Sanders told the McComb Historic Preservation Commission, which approved all details of the plan Sept. 12. “There are good things going on in Downtown, we just need to change the perception.”
The work will involve upgraded storefronts and replacement of upper-story windows, some with locally produced art.
In his initial announcement, Sanders predicted the work would be completed by Thanksgiving. On Friday he said that date “remains a goal” and a marker for the public to know “this isn’t a year-long project.”
Plans for the external upgrade comes as Downtown McComb is experiencing a bit of a revival with new restaurants and other commercial plans after years of stagnation or decline.
