Pearland Lumber awarded first grant from the old townsite redevelopment grant program
August 2, 2010
PEARLAND, Texas - The Loessin family has been continually operating their hardware business in Pearland for almost 60 years. Now, Pearland Lumber is being rewarded for its hard work and steadfast presence in the historic district by receiving a grant for the upgrade of their new sign at the corner of Orange Street and Main Street. Working with the Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) and the Old Townsite Business Coalition, the company will receive $2,000 toward the cost of replacing the sign it lost after Hurricane Ike.
The organizations established the grant program in 2010 as a way to encourage businesses in the historic district to upgrade their facades and signage to improve the visible image of the area. The grant program is divided into four categories — façade, signage, general construction and platting.
Pearland Lumber began working in late 2009 with PEDC Staff Member Kyler Cole and local architect Ron Fuertes of Powers Brown Architecture to develop a concept for their new sign. The business also worked with the Business Coalition to use their sign as the northern entrance of the Old Townsite with the addition of the establishment dates on the sign. Over the course of several months, the concept took shape, and construction began on the new sign in April. The sign is now complete, only lacking pear logos that will frame the date plaque. Contributed by the Business Coalition, the pear logos and date plaque will become a common theme in the area as they will be used in other new business signs as they are added to the district.
Perhaps the most significant portion of this story is the character of the Loessin family. Upon receipt of the grant funds, the family generously reinvested the money back into the Business Coalition.
“As one of Pearland’s oldest businesses, we recognize the significance of maintaining the area in which we work and live,” said Pearland Lumber President Larry Loessin. “We have the privilege of operating our business in the area where Pearland started – the Pearland Old Townsite.”
Vice President John Loessin added, “It is vital for our local economy and quality of life that we redevelop and preserve the business district within the Pearland Old Townsite. We are proud to support the efforts of the Old Townsite Business Coalition, in coordination with the Pearland EDC, towards that goal.”
For more information about the grant program or to apply for funds, please contact Kyler Cole at (281) 997-3004 or kscole@pearlandedc.com. Grant applications are also available online at www.pearlandoldtownsite.com.
About PEDC
Established in 1995, the Pearland Economic Development Corporation promotes, assists and enhances the economic development activities and qualities of life within Pearland, Texas. In bringing new and existing businesses to the area, the organization attracts capital investment to add to the city’s tax base and helps to increase the number of better-paying jobs for residents. For more information, visit www.pearlandedc.com.