From down-at-the heels to spanking new, the renovated and expanded Port Commons wins the latest Golden Storefront Award from local civic groups.

An extensive year-plus renovation of the retail/office complex added 6,500 square feet and a fresh brick and stucco façade. The new look is paying dividends, winning the site not just the beautification award but new tenants.

According to property owner Victor A. Musso, the refurbished shopping hub is set to welcome up-and-coming national franchises Smashburger and frozen-yogurt purveyor 16 Handles.

Also, on tap: a nail salon/spa and two women’s fashion boutiques including Linda’s Gifts to Go, which is relocating from 1 Soundview Drive.

“It’s great that the town appreciates the work, and that people are so pleased with the before-and-after,” Musso said.

The renovated buildings boast a new wrap-around brick and stucco façade, capped with crown moldings and navy blue awnings and signage, providing a cohesive aesthetic for front and back.  In the rear, the redesigned parking lot affords better traffic flow and lighting while preserving the existing 192 parking spaces.

While the renovation is winning accolades, the process was not without controversy. In April 2010, renovations ran afoul of tree removal permits, creating an outcry from townspeople and civic groups. Musso subsequently worked closely with the Town of North Hempstead and Residents for A More Beautiful Port Washington to consult on landscape planting which includes 17 new trees along Port Boulevard and numerous trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers in the rear.

“Residents helped him [Musso] pick the species, the caliber, which is the width of the tree,” said Mindy Germain, executive director of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington. Residents bestows the award monthly, along with the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District, to a business or entity selected by the voting public. 

“He put in two-and-a-half inch caliber, which we requested and they are thriving. They will be majestic trees in five years,” Germain noted.

Residents also provided input on design choices including the navy and gold signage and the brick paver border that runs the length of the sidewalks.

 “Mr. Musso invested in Port Washington, and I think this award is the people of Port Washington saying ‘thank you,’” Germain said. 

Added Musso: “I wouldn’t have done a project of this size if I didn’t believe in the town.”