The LDC takes great satisfaction in its ability to help small contractors such as Tony Ferguson who used the LDC funds to renovate 232 Pine Street. This historic building, The La Court Hotel, mixes both commercial and residential uses. “It worked out quite well for me,” says Ferguson. “I went to them first because someone else I knew had been helped by them. The interest was lower that I could get at a bank.”

Les Sunde, a self-employed designer, also appreciates the help he has received from the LDC. “I’ve been self-employed for 23 years so I have had a hard time borrowing traditionally, but I have a good track record of owning and renovating buildings. The LDC was willing to accept me as a unique situation, being self-employed, and realized I needed the money to renovate 214 Pine Street. With their help I got the building done sooner and the whole community has benefited.”