ARTICLE
PRESS RELEASE August 2021 Norwich Community Development Corporation Awarded Grant from The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation Norwich, CT – Norwich Community Development Corporation is pleased to announce receipt of a $40,000 grant from The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation in support of the award-winning Downtown Revitalization Program’s Vanilla Box Project. What is a Vanilla Box and how does this substantial and generous grant help the project achieve its goals? A Vanilla Box is a commercial space that has not been improved but is ready for tenant fit out. The investment gap that exists between property owners and potential tenants is one that prevents the activation of vacant or unusable space. The Lord Family Foundation grant helps to close that gap. The Vanilla Box Project has been instrumental in redeveloping and reactivating formerly vacant locations in and around downtown Norwich. Through a series of sub-projects and associated programs, the Vanilla Box Project has contributed to an increase of 100,000 square feet of occupiable space. The Lord Family Foundation recognizes the value of investing in downtown Norwich and their financial contribution supports the efforts of NCDC to create a vibrant and dynamic downtown area for property owners, investors, business owners, and residents. ### ABOUT NCDC The Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC), led by business and civic leaders, has over forty years of experience in creating opportunities for business. NCDC has been responsible for several development initiatives in Norwich including the creation of over 45 business locations and 2,300 jobs in the Stanley Israelite Business Park; the Mercantile Exchange building- a 100,000 square foot class A office building and the Norwich Superior Courthouse - both constructed in the heart of historic Downtown Norwich. In addition, NCDC was instrumental in securing and managing funding for both the renovation of Otis Library and the Norwich Marina. NCDC is proud of its reputation for being active in developing relationships and collaborating with the City for the betterment of Norwich and for partnering with the City and Norwich Public Utilities to create a place where businesses grow and thrive. We know how to get things done. For additional information about the organization and projects that we have been involved: www.skncdc.com