Associated Press LENDING A HAND — The Toronto Coalition for Revitalization and Toronto Beautification Committee have again teamed to help a local business owner spruce up his storefront. With George Komar, left, of the coalition, and Gail Komar of the beautification committee, is Tay Montgomery, owner of the Eastern Ohio Speed & Agility Academy.

TORONTO — During the last eight years, two Toronto groups have helped local business owners to bring attention to their establishments by providing funds needed to give their storefronts a facelift.

The Eastern Ohio Speed & Agility Academy is the latest to receive that boost from the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization and Toronto Beautification Committee.

Its owner, Tay Montgomery, used $2,000 awarded through the storefront improvement program run by the groups to repaint the awning and wood trim around his front window and apply new lettering to the panes.

Montgomery said while he is a former Steubenville High School footbal coach, he chose black and red for his gym’s new look because ebony always conveyed a certain air of elegance to him while crimson may be the hue that most stands out.

He added the colors set his facade apart from those of other businesses along North Fourth Street.

“It’s definitely sparked a fire,” Montgomery said of the new look, noting neighboring businesses have set out to refurbish their own buildings in various ways.

George Komar, president of the coalition, said the program is in keeping with the ongoing effort to attract people to the city and the beautification committee’s own mission of making it more attractive. He said the grant awarded to Montgomery is the largest of six the groups have presented to local businesses, in part because they have had few applicants in recent years.

Komar said the groups will continue the program for as long as funds allow.

To be eligible, a storefront must face Franklin Street between TIMET and Trenton Avenue or Third, Fourth, Market or Main streets and at least 50 percent of the building must be used commercially.

The recipient must invest at least $200 toward the project, which may include awnings or canopies, signs, display windows, lighting for signs and window displays and efforts to restore the historical appearance of a storefront or establish handicap-accessibility to it.

After work on his storefront was completed, Montgomery invited Komar and his wife, Gail, a member of the beautification committee, for a tour of the building’s interior.

He said he’s invested at least $75,000 in renovating its interior to serve as a training center for area athletes and private fitness center for many area residents.

“I train athletes from almost every school in the area,” said Montgomery, who added, “We have people of all ages come to the gym.”

He said in addition to bringing in assorted exercise equipment, massage chairs, two saunas and an ice bath, he’s established an adjoining conference room that may be rented by various groups.

Montgomery also plans to install lockers and an enclosed shower in the building, which through the years has been a grocery store and a furniture store.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)