Main Street Picayune and Mississippi Power partner to beautify downtown

Gulfport, Miss. –Main Street Picayune and Mississippi Power have joined forces for the third year in a row to revitalize popular businesses in Picayune.

Façade grants totaling $25,000 were recently awarded to continue the ongoing downtown alley improvements as well as façade makeovers for multiple small businesses.

“We’re proud to partner with an organization like Main Street Picayune,” said Local Manager Byron Hill. “Because of their commitment to the growth and success of our community, we are able to connect with small businesses and create positive change here in Picayune.”

Revitalization projects have ramped up in the years following the pandemic with Picayune Main Street working to convert two alleyways into useable outdoor areas. They now feature awnings, murals, bistro tables, benches and speakers. Several businesses like Noble House and Creekside Café have also benefitted from the grants which have enabled them to upgrade windows and building exteriors.

“In 2019, our downtown area had a 70% occupancy,” said Main Street Picayune Director Reba Beebe. “Today I’m happy to report that we are at 99% occupancy. Our revitalization projects are continuing to make an impact in the heart of downtown and we are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Mississippi Power. Our Economic Vitality Team is excited to see what’s next.”

Now in its 98th year of operations, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 191,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power was honored with a Community Partner Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its innovative and ongoing efforts to build a diverse workforce. The Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve recently recognized Mississippi Power for its commitment to its military workforce. Mississippi Power has nearly 160MW of solar capacity at four locations across the company’s service territory, including Southern Company’s first project to combine the latest, cutting-edge solar technology with battery storage. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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