FAIRFIELD -- A first-floor "corridor," with awnings, could do much to revitalize the western side of the downtown, an architect has concluded.

Judy Graebert of Concert Point Architecture made her suggestions last Thursday night, during a meeting of the economic/community development committee. As it happens, there is grant money available that would dovetail nicely with such a concept.

"All the things she's been talking about, we're talking about paying for," said Gail Chase, a Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) development manager, who helps towns with grants. "It's a facades program, but the match money could be spent inside the buildings."

Graebert, who developed design standards for Bangor, displayed for the committee a plan for businesses on the western side of the downtown. She described the buildings as a "snapshot in time," with a "mishmash" of styles.

"The downtown once had a rhythm, with awnings," Graebert said. "It was fun to walk the street. It had a first-floor corridor."

The vacant Northern Mattress building, built as the Gerald Hotel, is the jewel. Situated next to the art deco Dan's Redemption -- which is next to a small Irving gas station -- the old Gerald Hotel is on Maine Preservation's list of endangered registered landmarks.

Josh Reny, the town's economic and community development planner, said that redevelopment of the Irving site is "on hold." The Damon family has plans to build a new gas station/convenience store on the property.

Going north from the Gerald is Joseph's Clothing & Sporting Goods. There is open space between Joseph's and the old Giguere's Market, another art deco-style building.

"There's all kinds of potential," Graebert said. "But we shouldn't try to mimic styles. There's unfortunate open space between Joseph's and the next building. You could use greenery and benches to create an entry to the Joseph's parking lot.

"That art deco building is very visible from all four sides. Have fun with it. Put up neon lighting."

Richard Cyr, who owns the Donnelly Block on the other side of Main Street, posed a question.

"What about the east side?" Cyr asked. "I'd suggest the town buy the old Fairfield Creamery and get rid of it. That's a big eyesore."

Committee member John Picchiotti suggested that the downtown merchants association could purchase a sign, and advertise sales and specials.

Chase then spoke of the opportunity for a $150,000 community development block grant.

Reny said that during last year's town meeting residents approved the grant application. A letter of intent is due in January.

"The plan must include a citizens' committee, which cannot include business owners or their families," Chase said. "Any business eligible can provide a matching grant. It would be under the town's purview."

The grant would go to the town, Chase said. The town could then provide business owners with outright grants or loans, she said.

Dave Johnson, owner of Kennebec Electric, stressed sticking with the process.

"Something like this," Johnson said, "is going to create jobs. It's a slow process. It's a work in process. You have to have a positive attitude, and just keep going."

Tom Ellis owns the old Giguere's, last used as a hardware store. Ellis said he is reading and waiting for Graebert's plan to take hold, and sees the possibility of a medical office there.

"We will probably be the first one to develop," Ellis said. "We're ready to go now. We own up to Joseph's, so there are nearly 30 parking spaces."