ROME, N.Y. — Most people saw a vacant eyesore when they looked at 103 W. Court St. in Rome. Jenn and Chris Brillante saw the building for its potential as a spoke in the hub of a resurging and vibrant small city that is rich in history and innovation.

Earlier this summer, the Brillantes cut the ribbon on the building and announced its first tenant. The property’s renovation was made possible, in part, by a $25,000 grant from National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization Program.

Inside C&D Advertising's new offices

“By renovating 103 W. Court St., the Brillantes injected new life and investment into the heart of Rome,” said Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s regional director for customer and community engagement. “We always celebrate the arrival of new businesses, but we should also make sure that businesses like the Brillantes’ that grow and remain dedicated to their communities are applauded.”

"We are delighted to have created a great space for our team members and tenants," said Jenn Brillante, president of C & D Advertising. "I am personally excited to move and grow our business in my hometown that I love so much."

Jenn is president and managing partner of C&D Advertising, a regional firm that is the primary tenant of 103 W. Court St., which also houses the offices for three other small businesses: Brillante Enterprises LLC, One Nine Photography and Roman Cleaning Service. Additional space is available to lease.

The Brillantes rehabilitation of the building included a buildout of an audio production suite to support the agency’s work.

Their renovation of the building aligns with the City of Rome’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council’s downtown strategic initiatives to promote city centers as thriving retail, dining, cultural, and entertainment destinations and vibrant places to live and work.

National Grid Economic Development Programs

National Grid, through its Main Street Revitalization Program, provides matching grants to eligible property owners, municipalities and non-for-profit development corporations undertaking efforts to revitalize critical main streets and commercial corridors. Incentives to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy delivery and/or productivity improvements that stimulate public and private investment.

Since 2003, National Grid’s 18 economic development programs have provided more than $125 million in assistance, helping to create or retain more than 60,000 jobs and supporting almost $10 billion in private and public investment across upstate New York. More information about National Grid’s suite of programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.