Faith in downtown reaps its rewards CHRISTOPHER MASSA REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN David Bender sits inside the showroom at his store, Bender Showrooms on Main Street in downtown Torrington. Bender won an award for building rehabilitation for preserving historic architectural details at the store, including an original tin ceiling. 3 Torrington businesses, Marketplace recognized BY KEVIN LITTEN AND JIM MOORE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN TORRINGTON — Three city businesses and the Arts and Culture Commission's Main Street Marketplace will take home four of 12 awards when the Connecticut Main Street Center holds its annual gala at the Warmer Theatre on June 6. The recognition from the statewide nonprofit, which lob- bies for and supports downtown revitalization projects, serves as a public relations coup for downtown's biggest boosters. ‘ | Ata time when Torrington sup- porters are working to woo i q business and activity down- ho town, public perception, both (Us locally and across the state, playsa factor. “There are people on the ground in Torrington — and this is absolutely necessary in revitalizing communities — who hear all the criticism but CHRISTOPHER MASSA REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN know they have to keep press- Julia Sloan's store, Brazen Betties of Torrington, won an ing and they have to keep pro- award for being a financial benefit to downtown. The award description is: Must be goal-oriented, target an See AWARDS, Page6A appropriate audience and demonstrate creativity.