The Hammonton Gazette 01/22/2014 | Page 4

DiDonato’s Vision Property Group creates a landmark Wednesday, January 22, 2014 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 BUILDING, from Page 1 nato, who owns the building spaces on the corner of Bellevue and Central avenue, wanted the enhancements to replicate historical downtown Hammonton. “We looked back at the historical photos from when it was built, and replicated it as much as pos- sible and i think more than 90 percent of that was probably close to the way it was. “Some of the business owners in that area have a new sense of excitement, especially the ones that were already in that building such as GorJess and LoveLee and exotic Body Works. it brings a lot CONVERT TO GAS CUT YOUR UTILITY BILL IN HALF! Interest Free Financing, Rebates & Tax Credits Available Call Keith Galletta (609) 561-1616 ENERGY CONSERVATION of awareness to the downtown. the new store [JoJos] froYo is bringing people downtown that might have not been shoppers of downtown before. it is a real good addition to the town i believe,” DiDonato said. though the tenants occupying the corner of Bellevue and Central avenue benefit greatly from the completed project, DiDonato performs tasks such as this to help every downtown business as well. “that is kind of what we look at when we are doing buildings. We kind of look at how this can benefit everyone, not just the people in the building. We are big believers of trying to bring more people into the downtown, and make it something it was, when everybody was young they talk about how it was a thriving, bustling place and i think once again it is going back to that. it is exciting for everyone in Hammonton that they can enjoy the downtown,” DiDonato said. DiDonato stated there are two offices spaces available on top of the corner property he owns in the downtown area. He recently helped a new business move into one of the second floor areas of the building. “We have two offices remaining, one is 855 square feet and the DiMeglio Septic, NJSL6077 • NJ HIC License #13VH01292800 Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 S. White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • Portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service other is 830 square feet. they could be put together, but they are two separate offices with restrooms and it is totally renovated. We have some interest in these [availabilities]. We just had one business move in. a.J. Mento of Life Brokerage went into half of the upstairs, and we were concentrating on getting him in there so that was our focus. Now that we finished up the two stores, we have some touch-ups to do....we will be marketing it heavily,” DiDonato said. alyssa Clements, co-owner of JoJo’s froYo Bar which opened up full-time late last year on the corner of Bellevue and Central avenue, is thrilled with the completed project. “the building is absolutely beautiful. We get so many compliments on the appearance and it really does draw a crowd. the renovations are just one example of how Hammonton is growing and changing into one of the best downtowns in the country.” Clements said. MainStreet Hammonton executive Director Cassie iacovelli believes the building enhancements are another positive feature for the vastly improved downtown area. “i think it’s beautiful. i think it is a wonderful anchor for people to enter into the downtown. i think it is a great first impression. i thought there was a great opportunity there, and i knew if John DiDonato was involved in it, it would be done right. i know he has a good way of restoring buildings,” iacovelli said. LisaJo Carrigan, owner of Sassy Sweets on Bellevue avenue, was very impressed with the outcome of the project. “i think the improvements of the building look amazing. the addition of the business on the corner and any business additions are going to add to our downtown because it is another reason for people to come to the downtown. that corner property looks beautiful inside and out. What he [DiDonato] did to the building draws your eyes. the more people in the downtown, the better it is for all of us as business owners.” Carrigan said. Owner of Chatter’s Baskets on Central avenue Mary Young has seen a significant difference in foot traffic since the project concluded. “i think it is great because it’s right there on the corner, it hits your eyes. Before, i think