Things are looking good for Olde Town Grove City in the new year.

Four new downtown businesses will open in 2008, adding to the five businesses that joined Olde Town last year.

Four downtown projects have also been proposed for 2008, including a new art mural on the side of the Guthrie Theater.

The Farmer’s Market, a popular endeavor from last year, will also be returning, although at a different location as construction begins on the new Joseph D. Monteleone Youth Festival Park.

And that’s just the beginning according to Olde Town manager Lisa Pritchard.

“Great things have been happening in the last 18 months since we began the Olde Town program,” she said.

Pritchard said one of the greatest successes so far has been the Facade Restoration Grant program, which provides money to business owners to restore building facades and enhance a building’s overall exterior appearance.

Program funds are used as matching grants for facade improvements and may be allocated to a business location for up to 50 percent of the total project.

The Olde Town Grove City Design committee has the opportunity to approve grants totaling $30,000 yearly over the next four years.

Pritchard said 17 businesses have taken advantage of the Facade Restoration Grant and have revamped their storefronts.

“The investments of downtown business owners and building owners exceeded $35,000,” she added. “New grant (money) is applied for all the time.”

In addition, Pritchard said new businesses have been flocking to Olde Town Grove City.

Grove City College’s Crimson Connection, Catherine's Cache, Jordan’s Restaurant & Pizzeria and a yet-to-be-named restaurant, that is also applying for the borough’s first liquor license, are set to open downtown in 2008. They will join Hog Wild, MASTECH, Wolf Creek Yarns, Mary Jo’s Creations and Identity Protection Team, which all opened in 2007.

Two established South Broad Street businesses also expanded their doors last year. Gospel Book & Music Store nearly doubled in size and Natural Options moved to a larger storefront.

“New businesses and expansions are the sign of a healthy downtown,” Pritchard said. “I get a couple calls weekly with people wanting to know what’s available downtown.”