text: Much needed facelift - schurz-dailyamerican
  The historic building on the corner of North Center Avenue and West Main Street has fallen into disrepair.
  Fortunately a community project is making a difference. The building's Army Navy Discount lettering is being stripped away along with its wooden, barn siding. Vines are being cleared from the North Center Avenue side of the building and its cornices and trim will be painted in the weeks to come. The roof is undergoing more than $5,000 worth of repairs after suffering wind damage.
  The improvements are being partially funded by the remaining balance of a facade grant acquired by Somerset Borough in 2009. The grant program offers local businesses a 50 percent match on façade expenditures. Richard and Sandy Brinker, who are in assisted living, are footing more than 50 percent of the bill.
  The site has plenty of history as over the years it was home to businesses such as Beachey's Drug Store, Spangler's Gift Shop, Martha's Gift Shop, Grant's News Stand, Trent's Market, Lois-Ann's Dress Shop and The Shoebox.