People looking to revitalize their business in Harrisonburg are getting some more help. WHSV examines the latest proposal to give a facelift to the city's downtown area.

It's intended to boost tax revenue and jumpstart downtown development. The downtown Property Improvement Loan will make $25,000 interest free loans available to anyone who can match 80 percent of the figure with funds from a lending institution.

"The goal is to encourage renovation and the improvements of the existing buildings," says Eddie Bumbaugh, the director of the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. "Two-thirds of the money needs to be used for renovation, one-third can go towards the purchase of the building."

Bumbaugh says Harrisonburg has many advantages over other communities in the region, including the proximity of two local universities.

"It's an area that has a good mix between retail and service businesses," explains Bumbaugh. "And what we feel is needed is a few more retail and specialty shops, restaurants, a few additional business to round out the mix we already have."

Bumbaugh points to Dave's Taverna and Dance and Company as examples of how the revitalization can work.

"They've maintained the existing structure, but enhanced it significantly through unique paintwork, through design," says Bumbaugh. "It's not the type of architecture you would see just anywhere."

The loans will be available July 1. It's hoped they will help make the downtown a new shopping hub for people in the area.

The Downtown Renaissance is also working on a new street plan for the area, including improved sidewalks and signage. It also hopes to create a historical district and have more events in the downtown area.