Over $41,000 in grants was awarded to seven downtown Erie businesses Wednesday morning.


It's all part of the Erie Downtown Association's Facade Grant Program to revitalize downtown Erie, and make it more inviting for visitors.


The grant recipients include the YMCA of Greater Erie, Glass Growers Gallery, HANDS, La Rue Dix, Heritage Wine Cellars, the Erie Art Museum, and the expERIEnce Children's Museum.


"We're very grateful and just thrilled," said Ainsle Brosig, the executive director of the expERIEnce Children's Museum. "It's one of those things that is much needed and it's an expensive endeavor. So any help really, really helps to move the project forward."


The Erie Downtown Partnership is opening up a second window for grant applications. Interested businesses can apply a grant at
.