Downtown Tarentum E-Newsletter 4th Quarter 2009

Downtown Recognition Award

Dianna Roney didn't plan to open an antique and gift shop in Tarentum when she purchased a building at 122 East Fourth Avenue in 2005.

Her plan to use the location to store and repair antiques that she would eventually sell at a Verona antique shop quickly evolved when passersby with some frequency came in to inquire about purchasing various pieces. "It was clear that there was a demand and interest in Tarentum for antiques and that I was in a good position to capitalize on it, "Dianna admits.

In October of 2006, Dianna and four other dealers opened the doors to Diamond Antiques & Gifts, a well-stocked shop known for its inventory of country, cottage, primitive and Victorian furniture, artwork, glass and jewelry.

It didn't take the shop long to capture the attention of local antique collectors and bargain-hunting dealers from as far away as Virginia. The shop's clientele grew rapidly, as did interest from other antique collectors and dealers.

As the business continues to grow, Dianna has capitalized on a new grant program designed to encourage Tarentum business owners to improve the exteriors of their properties with architectural elements, signage and lighting, befitting the borough's 19th century history and efforts to create a vibrant and inviting business district.

In fact, Diamond Antiques has the distinction of being the first Tarentum business to complete fa�ade renovations through a grant program administered by the Allegheny Restores program. By working with Dotty Roddy, the business development coordinator of Tarentum Business Area Advisory Committee (T-BAAC), Dianna received a grant that covered half of the cost of her exterior renovations.

Today, Diamond Antiques boasts a new awning that mimics "the storefronts of yesteryear," vintage lighting and a new sign that meets the guidelines developed by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks foundation, an organization that is working with the borough to develop design guidelines. Several other Tarentum businesses will soon be following suit.

"This is a great example of the benefits of being among the first communities selected to participate in the County's Allegheny Together program," said Bill Rossey, Borough Manager. "Local businesses have a great opportunity to capitalize on this grant program that will not only increase the value and appeal of their businesses, but will serve to make Tarentum's business district more inviting to new businesses, residents and visitors."

Business owners interested in applying for an Allegheny Restores grant can contact the borough for an application and information.

Tarentum Borough would like to thank Dianna Roney for her work in organizing and promoting the first Antiques in the Park event, a fundraiser for the Allegheny Valley Historical Society that featured antique dealers, food vendors and a vintage car show this past fall.