Terrell board approves matching grant for longtime downtown barbershop

The Terrell Downtown Revitalization Board on a voice vote approved a 50% matching downtown revitalization grant of $8,475 to support renovations at 407 West Grove, the longtime barbershop owned and operated by Edmund Morrow.

The grant approval came after Morrow described the shop’s multigenerational history and renovation plans. “We’ve been in business over 60, 70 years, and I’m still barbering,” Morrow said, listing interior upgrades he wants, including improved lighting, interior and exterior paint, bathroom work and new air conditioning.

Raylan, the city staff member who presented the application to the board, said the program focuses on building integrity and requires an exterior component. “These grants mainly want to focus on the integrity of the building, which does include some of those things that you can’t see. And it definitely needs an exterior component to it,” Raylan said, noting staff could assist with exterior renderings and matching downtown design standards.

Board members discussed possible awnings and other exterior features the program could support. One board member who moved the grant approval said, “I would make a motion to approve the matching at $8,475 for Mr. Morris business.” (The applicant’s name in the record is Edmund Morrow; the board motion referred to Mr. Morrow’s business.)

Board member Mary seconded the motion and the vote passed with members voicing “aye.” Board member Stephanie said she would recuse herself from the decision, stating she is a tenant of the property and would not participate in the vote: “I will be recusing myself when it comes to making a decision based on that because I am a current tenant of the other side of the property.” The chair noted the recusal before declaring the motion passed.

The board’s approval covers eligible items under the facade/matching grant program at the 50% reimbursement level; staff said they could help refine exterior plans and renderings to ensure conformity with downtown standards. Morrow said he plans to do both sides of the two-suite building, improving interiors and installing new air conditioning units for both suites.

The board invited Morrow to work with staff on final exterior design and said it was eager to support the shop’s historic presence in downtown Terrell.

Votes at a glance:
- Matching grant for 407 West Grove (Demara/Demara/Edmund Morrow barbershop): motion to approve matching grant of $8,475; seconded; passed; one recusal (Stephanie).