5 Arlington Businesses Getting Storefront Upgrades With Help Of Grant

ARLINGTON, MA — The town announced Wednesday that five local businesses received a combined $27,000 through the Town’s Storefront Improvement Program, which supports exterior upgrades meant to improve commercial districts and encourage private investment.

The grants were awarded to Magic Bites, Butternut Bakehouse, Utopia Cleaners, Za, and Wild Ember. Town officials said the businesses used the funding for improvements including new awnings, front doors, and an outdoor dining parklet. The program covers 75 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $7,500.

80 percent of this year’s recipients are Arlington residents.

Projects completed through the program include a new front door and awning at Magic Bites, a new shared outdoor dining parklet at Butternut Bakehouse, new awnings at Utopia Cleaners and Za, and a new front door at Wild Ember.

Magic Bites owners Atilla and Elif Ozkefeli said the improvements have made a noticeable difference for their business.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Arlington for this wonderful initiative,” the pair said in a statement. “Upgrading our entrance and replacing our 11-year-old weathered awning has completely transformed our storefront. Our new door and awning have given our business a vibrant second life after more than a decade.”

Butternut Bakehouse owner Suzana Samad said the grant helped the business create a more welcoming outdoor space for customers and the broader neighborhood.

“Participating in the Parklet Program has been a wonderful experience for us,” Samad said. “The grant made it possible to transform a single parking space into a welcoming community gathering place that extends our café into the neighborhood.”

The Storefront Improvement Program is funded through Arlington’s Community Development Block Grant program and is available in CDBG-eligible districts. Town officials said well-maintained facades and signage can help increase foot traffic and revenue for local businesses while also improving the appearance of Arlington’s business districts.

Below is the full list of storefront improvement grant recipients:

Magic Bites, 916 Mass Ave — New front door and awning

Butternut Bakehouse, 787 Mass Ave — New shared outdoor dining parklet

Utopia Cleaners, 1370 Mass Ave — New awning

Za, 138 Mass Ave — New awning

Wild Ember, 830 Mass Ave — New front door

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