GRANTS, N.M. — Fresh paint, new faces, and a flurry of grant awards are reshaping downtown Grants as the Grants MainStreet Project launches a late-summer slate of projects that seek to blend public art, park upgrades, and business support.
Executive Director Denise Hanson said Main-Street’s volunteer crews and student painters are back at Riverwalk Park this week, priming pillars and installing new murals while a second wave of youth and community volunteers returns on Saturday. “We had 17 kids last week and expect another big group,” Hanson said. “It’s a lot of work, but everyone’s having fun—and you can see the change.”
MainStreet recently hired an assistant, Cadence Clark, the first such support for the office in more than a decade. “It’s already making a huge difference,” Hanson said, adding that the organization has also picked up “solid new volunteers” through recent outreach.
Hanson said that her work is only made possible thanks to the support of her team of volunteers. She is thinking about the future, how to keep momentum and complete the task at hand while preparing locals for leadership roles.
Murals, Planters, and the Riverwalk
Around Grants City Hall, MainStreet finished two new planter boxes using caboose bricks and, with materials and plants donated by Diamond G, volunteers installed new landscaping. The group is also exploring ways to restore the caboose’s exterior shine and, in the spring, hopes to partner with students to refresh the interior with historical displays.
Park furniture, sound, and wayfinding
Hanson said a recent order—nearly $9,000 in benches, picnic tables, and trash receptacles funded by Trails+ and ARP dollars— will replace worn equipment from the Riverwalk to City Hall Park and Fire & Ice Park, tying the spaces together with a bright blue color scheme.
Separately, $70,000 in capital outlay for a citywide outdoor sound system has cleared the state, with equipment orders planned as early as next week. The system will cover Fire & Ice Park, City Hall Park, and the Riverwalk Park, allowing music and announcements for events from Halloween to the holiday parade. “We couldn’t find another city in New Mexico with a setup like this,” Hanson said. “It’s going to differentiate Grants.”
MainStreet and New Mexico MainStreet specialists are also completing a wayfinding inventory across the district and greater city to guide a full signage refresh.
Route 66 Centennial, freeconcert bid, and fall events
Beyond a Sept. 13 “paint-by-number” centennial kickoff, MainStreet is pursuing a Levitt free-concert series grant that could fund seven summer concerts per year for three years— $28,000 annually in national funds with a $20,000 city match.
The City of Grants made the first cut to the top 100 applicants; public voting opens September 15. “It’s competitive—game on,” Hanson said. “If we win, that’s $48,000 a year in music and community for Grants.”
MainStreet is also coordinating a small-business “boot camp” workshop led by New Mexico MainStreet on Monday, September 23 at 9 a.m., and will be helping organize a downtown Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween festival with city partners, including a hay maze and free hay rides.
Addressing Business and Visitor Needs
Hanson said MainStreet has completed a vacantproperty inventory for the entire district, with photos and key specs to help prospective tenants.
Several business facades are queued for repainting as weather allows, including the Cibola Arts Council’s exterior at 1001 W. Santa Fe Ave., Jenny’s, Tim’s Mufflers, and other storefronts along Santa Fe Avenue.
“We have gallons of paint ready,” she said. “The goal is to make it easier for businesses to say yes to Main Street.”
To serve Continental Divide Trail hikers and visitors, MainStreet is planning a solar charging station in City Hall Park and is working with local retailers on a package-locker concept that texts hikers a code and locker number when resupply shipments arrive.
“We’re building the infrastructure so hikers see Grants as a gateway,” Hanson said.
Grants, grants—and more grants
Between February and May, MainStreet submitted 15 grant funding applications and has been awarded 11 so far.
Hanson said funding everything from park furnishings and sound systems to marketing and murals requires hard work and grantfunded support.
Hanson emphasized continuity—training new leaders, setting clear expectations for promotion and event standards, and focusing on data-driven decisions. “Not everyone will be happy all the time,” she said. “But if we stay the course and keep delivering, the work speaks for itself.”
As the paint dries on the Riverwalk and new benches roll in, Hanson’s message to residents and businesses is simple: “Show up, pitch in, and enjoy the momentum. Downtown is moving.”