Benjamin Moore Promises "To Get It Done Right" On Ellicott City's Main Street

After Benjamin Moore named Ellicott City's Main Street a winner in their national contest to repaint 20 Main Streets across the U.S., many residents and business owners wondered what exactly will be painted?

That answer came Thursday from Nick Harris, Benjamin Moore's vice president of marketing. Harris said the company will work with the community to do it right and that Benjamin Moore doesn't have a limit on how much it will spend to repaint Main Street. 

"It's whatever it takes," said Harris. "There's no upper limit on what it takes to get it done right."

He said the company will work with local government officials, business owners and residents to paint and provide painting supplies for facades, porches, railings and shutters on Main Street.

"If there's strong architectural controls in Ellicott City, we'll work with those provisions," said Harris. "We want to preserve the look and feel of Historic Ellicott City."

"Our intent is when we're done that it's in accordance with what people want to see there," added Harris. "In certain towns they want a transformation, in other places it's going to be a refresh."

On Thursday morning, business owners and county officials gathered at the Howard County Visitor's Center on Main Street to celebrate the win.

"To me this is really a story about a community coming together, about community pride," said County Executive Ken Ulman, referring to how county residents came together through social media to vote for Main Street in the online contest.

"This was the perfect opportunity for us to come together for something joyful," said Courtney Watson, who represents Ellicott City on the County Council.

Benjamin Moore sent a letter to the county after being named winners that said, "your team will collaborate with a  highly skilled Benjamin Moore team that will include a Benjamin Moore independent paint dealer, professional designers and color experts, and local painting contractors."

Harris said Benjamin Moore hopes to begin painting this summer "when the good weather is with us."

Harris said the inspiration for the "Main Street Matters" campaign comes from the independent retailers who work with Benjamin Moore.

"We feel Main Street needs the attention and we feel it's core to what we do," said Harris. "We're so happy with the results and the response we see."

Harris even gave a shout out to Ulman's YouTube video that was composed to raise attention to the contest that revolved around a search on Main Street for Brad Pitt.

"It was very much enjoyed here at Benjamin Moore," said Harris.