A downtown revitalization program in Seneca Falls has wrapped up after generating nearly $800,000 in public and private investment across a series of façade and storefront projects.
The Downtown Seneca Falls Façade and Storefront Grant Program was launched in 2025 through a partnership between the Bonafiglia Family Foundation and the Seneca Falls Development Corporation. The initiative was designed to help property and business owners improve downtown buildings while preserving the area’s visual character.
The program offered grants covering up to 75% of eligible project costs, with individual awards of up to $150,000.
About $18,000 was invested during the planning phase to establish program guidelines, design standards, eligibility boundaries and evaluation criteria. The Bonafiglia Family Foundation also provided $30,000 for professional design and technical assistance through Insite Architecture.
Between April and May 2025, Insite Architecture worked with local property owners to develop concepts, renderings and scopes of work for 16 potential projects. Fourteen applicants ultimately submitted final applications, and eight projects were selected for funding in August 2025.
The foundation contributed about $345,000 toward project implementation, which leveraged another $325,000 in private investment from participating property owners. Combined with planning and technical-assistance funding, the overall effort generated nearly $800,000 in investment.
Jerry Goodenough, president of the Seneca Falls Development Corporation board, said the partnership helped advance downtown revitalization efforts.
“The Bonafiglia Family Foundation’s commitment to philanthropy has provided a unique opportunity for our community,” Goodenough said. “This public-private partnership has played a significant role in advancing the revitalization of downtown Seneca Falls.”
The program also emphasized the use of local contractors. Judy Wentzel, executive director of the Bonafiglia Family Foundation, said personalized assistance from project conception through completion was an important part of the program.
She also noted that participating contractors lived and worked within 30 miles of Seneca Falls, helping keep more of the economic impact within the region.
Projects included improvements at 17 Bridge St., 73 Fall St., Parkers on Fall and the King Block at 90-100 Fall St.
Bridgete Mele, a downtown business and property owner for more than 26 years, said the grant made improvements to her salon storefront possible.
“The transformation of my salon storefront is incredible and something I would not have been able to achieve without the support of this program and the Bonafiglia Family Foundation,” Mele said.
Tony Ryrko, co-owner of R&T Construction and a lifelong Seneca Falls resident, participated in two projects and said the work allowed the company to help restore downtown storefronts while contributing to the community.
The program formally began with a public kickoff meeting in March 2025 and is now complete.
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