Some $83,000 has been invested in uptown and downtown business district in the last three months, Main Street Director Lance Jenkins told city council Tuesday night.

About $45,000 is tied to investment for a bakery at 1032 Roanoke Avenue, Jenkins said this morning.

In his monthly update to council, the Main Street director said a new business, the Gift Box at 1016 Roanoke Avenue, will open in the spring and will feature a wine cellar.

A photographer, Jennifer Tart, has opened Works of Tart Photography in a portion of the Moody Building and an exotic pet store has also opened in the Moody Building.

“More businesses are coming in and a lot of money is being spent,” he said.

There has been some $21,000 spent on facade improvements and the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance awarded a $2,000 facade grant to the owner's of the Fannye's building as part of an overall $7,000 facade renovation for that building.

Jenkins told council the Fannye's building will be split, a flooring business on one side and a restaurant on the northern side.

On Monday Connie's Cafe opened in the Java Junction building, he said. “We're very excited about all the businesses moving in.”