New Awning for Arturo's

Things certainly are looking spiffy in Maplewood Village. Last week, Linda's Cleaners was brightening its signage. This week, Arturo's Osteria is sporting a new wrap-around awning.

"We are definitely excited about our new awning," Arturo's owner and chef Dan Richer told Patch. "I believe that the old green one was nearly twenty years old. I acquired it when I purchased Arturo's in 2007 and have been wanting to change it everyday since." Richer describes the new color as a chocolate brown. "We chose that color because of its warmth and its similar feel to our dining room."

Richer was able to come up with the financing for the new awning with the help of Julie Doran and the Maplewood Village Alliance.

Said Doran, "The Maplewood Village Alliance was thrilled to be able to assist Arturo's Osteria with their purchase of a new awning through our Facade Grant Program." The grant program was designed, according to Doran, to encourage business and property owners to make facade improvements to enhance the visual appeal of the Village and make it an "inviting destination for shoppers." The Alliance will fund up to 50% of qualified applications pending available funds. Other 2010 grant recipients include Maplewood Deli and Grille, Linda's Cleaners, Mt. Fuji Sushi, Words and Truly Yours.

Richer and his business partner actually like the look of the storefront without an awning, but their western exposure makes that impractical. "The sun beats on our windows making it incredibly hot in the dining room." 

Overall, Richer sees the big picture: "I am sure that the new awning will add to the overall look of Maplewood Village. Since we have a corner location in town, we have a responsibility to ensure its visual appeal and this awning is the first step."