The first phase of Norco’s downtown revitalization is complete and more upgrades underway and planned.
“This dressed up Norco, although not quite like it was when I was a kid there,” said Sal Digirolamo, president of the Norco Civic Association. “But it’s something all our neighbors see a lot of and I think it will bring a whole lot more pride to our community.”
Digirolamo said he also hopes the upgrade will inspire others to improve their property in an area where he’s spent most of his life.
Kicked off in July of last year, Phase 1 of the project was designed by Campo Designs – Architects. The upgrade included the area in front of businesses that parallel River Road between Apple and Good Hope streets.
Work included new brick sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, new brick planters across all businesses, historic light poles to light up sidewalks and parking, matching business sign poles for all businesses, landscaping in the planters including small scrubs and other low-maintenance plants and small handrails at each set of the steps between parking and sidewalks where elevation changes.
In the works since 2005, the additions were designed to build on the existing character of the original buildings.Meetings are scheduled to approve drawings for Phase 2 that will include replacing canopies, some storefront window replacements, some brickwork facades and some painting.
Digirolamo said a grant from Shell-Motiva’s Norco Economic Development Foundation (NEDF) kicked off the project. A second grant from NEDF, as well as donations set Phase 2 in motion, which will include permanent canopy replacements, some storefront window replacements, and brick work facades and painting. A potential third phase or improved parking will be done depending on funding.
“While the upgraded area isn’t like it was when I was young it does improve what our visitors see when they visit or pass through our wonderful community,” Digirolamo said.
Today’s Norco downtown includes Sharkey Bar at the corner of Apple Street, unoccupied next to it was Happy Jack Bar, which is now Tridico Vending Machine, and at the corner of Good Hope Street, is now Seventy Hair Solon that was a bank.
Digirolamo thanked several contributors to the project, including NEDF grants for phases 1 and 2; Valero donation to upgrade parking; Motiva and Shell, Norco Manufacturing Complex donation; State Rep. Gregory and Amy Miller – donation; Ralph and Sue Miller donation; Tracie D. Howes, wrote grant request; John Campo, did design; River Parishes Community Development Corp., handled invoices; Jack Fletcher, NCA secretary-project inspector for handing the inspection, and Bill Macloud, NCA treasurer, handled NCA financing.
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