Commission meeting. Procaccini owns the building at 56 North Broad beside the old Granite City Hotel. His plans include taking out the glass frontage and reinstalling smaller arched windows as well as a glass double or single entry door.

"The color scheme would be the same as it is now," explained Procaccini. "The brick is over 100 years old and I haven’t been able to find a match. There is a lot of brick behind the Granite City Hotel and since this building was at one time a part of the hotel, that brick would match."

Barry Edgar, who was present, said the brick would have to be put out for bid by the city.

Another grant applicant, Joe Cortese, owner of Little Italy’s, has already begun his improvements.

DDA Chairman Rice reported in old business, that the gates for the remaining alleyways would soon be installed. The locations include the alley behind the Corner Bookstore; the one behind Casey’s Restaurant; and the one between Loco’s and The Peoples Bank building.

"That will take about $5,000 out," said Rice of the bank balance, which was reported by Treasurer Patty Faglier to be $18,502.76.

In the Mayor’s Report, Chip Thompson said the City Council had voted to proceed with a town center study by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

"We are applying for a grant," said Thompson, "which would be 80 - 20 (20 percent Winder’s responsibility). Once you get the grant, you can apply for more, hopefully to use for new sidewalks and street improvements."

Thompson applauded the work the DDA had done on the facade improvement grant.

"This has generated a lot of excitement about the downtown," he said.

The Mayor said that Mitch Williams was still interested in the Granite City Hotel, but was waiting for approval on a bank loan.

Main Street Director Sherrie Miller informed this
was her last meeting since the DDA would not meet in December.

"I have really enjoyed my time with the DDA," she said. "I have made so many friends in Winder and I wish you all the best."

Miller said registrations for the Dec. 6 Christmas parade were pouring in.

"I have spoken with Jerry Golden [Golden Entertainment] about a new stage and a better PA system," she said. "The stage will face Broad Street for the judges to watch the parade and the stage will also face the gazebo towards the entertainment venue. The Christmas tree will be placed in that grassy area by the gazebo."

Miller asked the Mayor if he could officially light the tree at sundown that day.

"I have nine churches that have agreed to provide youth groups to sing carols downtown in different areas," she continued.

The day’s activities will begin at 11 a.m. and the parade starts at 2.

"After the tree lighting, there will be horse-drawn wagons taking people to the Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit for the Dickens caroling," said Miller.

On the same day as the parade, the Barrow County Historical Museum will celebrate its grand opening after a complete restoration of the building and newly designed displays.

Demonstrations of Alpaca wool spinning, a display of train memorabilia, a blacksmith in action and other historic lifestyle practices will be available both in the parking lot behind the courthouse and inside the museum.

Miller also reported that Tracy Kiley of Evans Jewel Box had wrapped 24 boxes for the downtown shopping spree drawings.

The boxes will be distributed to participating downtown businesses for shoppers to
register to win a shopping spree.

Prizes include a shopping spree in the amount of: 1-$500; 2-$250; 3-$100; and 4-$50. The monies have to be spent at the store where the winning ticket was drawn.

In new business, Chairman Rice reminded that no meeting was planned for December and that in January, the DDA would elect officers.

"I would also like to have a work session after the January meeting to go over the changes from the State," he said.