The vision and commitment of individual property owners is a key to Lawrence’s attractive downtown.

When it comes to preserving the beauty and historical flavor of Downtown Lawrence, nothing is more effective than individual property owners who set their own high standards.

Sarah Fayman is a good example of a property owner who cared enough to do a renovation project that will benefit both her business and the downtown atmosphere. The owner of Sarah’s Fabrics, 925 Mass., started by expanding her own business into a neighboring storefront and adding an attractive wood and glass facade to both. Inside, wood floors and tin ceilings gave the store a turn-of-the-century feeling.

Then Fayman extended her project to the south to encompass the former Stoneback Appliance store. The same wood front and interior details mark the renovation of that building which now is the home to Brits and Au Marche. The result is an attractive complex of shops that contributes to the historical flavor of downtown as well as being inviting to shoppers.

Fayman could have done a less expensive renovation that would have served her business as well, but the detail and thought that went into the project is apparent and should be appreciated by other downtown merchants as well as Lawrence residents.

Good projects aren’t always the result of more regulations or zoning rules; they just as easily can be the result of an owner who cares enough to show some pride in his or her business and Lawrence’s downtown.