SAFFORD — Improvements to buildings in Safford’s Downtown are getting a helping hand from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation.
On Wednesday, Sean Wenham, Community Development manager for Freeport, presented Great Communities Resource Center (GCRC) with a Community Investment Fund grant for $75,000 to be used for ongoing renovation of retail buildings on Safford’s Main Street.
“We’re very, very pleased to partner with you again, thank you so much” Wenham said. “It’s a wonderful project and we looking forward to seeing the outcomes. The entire committee, I think, was excited and enthusiastic to see where it goes.”
GCRC recently purchased buildings on the 400 block of Safford’s Main Street, including the building that houses Copper and Cotton Lifestyle Co. on the first floor, and 19 Double X Studios in the basement. The grant will be used to remodel the two buildings immediately to the east for lease to retail and/or restaurant operators.
During the grant presentation, GCRC Director Lane Hagel and Board Member Don Smith took Wenham and Foundation grant committee member Bob Rivera on a tour of the buildings targeted with the grant, as well as the second floor of the Copper and Cotton Lifestyle Co. building, which is being converted into apartments for GCRC’s adult special needs clients.
Since 2009, Freeport Foundation has invested more than $5 million to projects in Graham County through the Community Investment Fund Grant Program, including $392,400 for various projects undertaken by GCRC.
GCRC serves adults and children with special needs, including providing job training and teaching of life skills, so those with special needs may become an integral part of home, family and community.
Editor’s note: Reporter David Bell is a member of the GCRC board of directors.
