Downtown Danville Inc. has announced that Green Island, the longest-standing restaurant in the downtown district, has been awarded a $5,000 grant. This grant is part of the group’s ongoing initiative to support and revitalize businesses in the heart of the city.
Located at 11 N. Vermilion St., neighbors to the Vermilion County Courthouse, Green Island recently completed significant interior and exterior upgrades, made possible through the grant. The funds were used by owners Daisy and Kenneth Liu to repair their roof, repaint the building’s exterior, and refresh the dining room.
The Lius opened Green Island in August 2004, and this year they celebrated 20 years of serving the Danville community. “Their dedication to the business was recently recognized when they received the Legacy Award from the Small Business Development Center at DACC, celebrating their long-term success and contributions to the local economy,” a news release states.
Originally from Guangdong, China, Daisy’s journey to Danville took her from California to Chicago before settling downtown, where she and Kenneth now live above their restaurant.
“Their commitment to Green Island is unwavering; Daisy is well-known for her warm greetings and personalized service, making customers feel like family,” members of Downtown Danville Inc. say.
“Our regulars know they can count on us not just for great food, but for a friendly face and a sense of home,” says Daisy.
The Downtown Danville Inc. Grant Program is funded through contributions from every property owner in the Special Service Area Number One district. These grants are designed to empower local businesses by matching their investments up to $5,000 for property improvements.
“We’re committed to helping our members enhance their businesses and continue the revitalization of our downtown area,” said Annie Monyok, Executive Director of Downtown Danville Inc. “It’s exciting to see businesses like Green Island continue to thrive and reinvest with stunning renovations.”
Downtown Danville Inc. is dedicated to driving sustainable growth by championing downtown businesses, facilitating collaboration, and investing in initiatives that bolster the vibrancy and economic prosperity of our city. The grant program plays a vital role in maintaining and expanding our downtown businesses by providing crucial funding for improvements within the Special Service Area.
For more information about Downtown Danville Inc. and its grant programs, please visit www.downtowndanville.org.