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NeighborWorks Great Falls Honors Six Local Construction Properties

By Rachel Ousley

Story Created: May 2, 2011 at 7:39 PM MDT

Story Updated: May 2, 2011 at 10:01 PM MDT

NeighborWorks is a community development organization working to improve the historic districts of Great Falls and to increase affordable housing. Since the organization began in 1980, Most Improved Awards have been given to recognize private investment.

Since the 1980's, NeighborWorks Great Falls has been saying thanks to property owners for taking the time and spending the money to improve their properties. Sheila Rice, the Executive Director of NeighborWorks, says in the last several years the Most Improved Awards have grown as the city attracts new construction. Rice says when you look at the historic area in 1980, there was this one three block area on 5th Avenue South with 14 boarded up homes, so one in every 3 homes was boarded up. Now the community is starting to reverse that trend of disinvestment by more property owners putting money into the neighborhood.

Mountain Mudd Espresso on Central Avenue is this year's winner of Most Transformed Commercial Property. What was once an empty lot is now a drive through coffee shop. Karly Opheim, one of the Managers at the Mountain Mudd Espresso, says its very exciting for the city because the area here before was unattractive and abandoned, so it's a huge improvement for the community.

Opheim adds this isn't just a great improvement for the city. The staff is thrilled to receive such an honor. She says it is really exciting for all of us because it’s great to be recognized and get more business.
Rice says development of the historic districts is one way to keep the history of Great Falls alive. Residential or commercial growth and improvement is a reflection on the value of a city. Rice says a good downtown means a good city.

Winners receive a framed photo of the property with a plaque stating the award and year. Carole Dabler of 7th Avenue South won Best New Residential Construction. The Lofts at 503 won Most Improved Downtown Residential. Cory Block on 5th Street South won Most Improved Commercial. Donna Wheeler of 6th Street South won Most Improved Residential Renovation. Finally, Great Falls Housing Authority Sandhills won Best New Multi-Family Rental.

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Marie said on Tuesday, May 3 at 1:33 PM

Congratulations Carol. It's always nice to see extended family in the news and to receive something they deserve,for all their hard work and effort to beatify their community. Great Job!

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