The regional economic development council is handing out $1 million grants for two downtown projects.
One will help pay for redevelopment of vacant Parcel 5. Plans call for an outdoor event space with a stage and a canopy.
The other will help fund the conversion of the former Xerox Tower into a mixed-used building.
The tower will get commercial space on the lower 18 floors, and residential space on the 12 upper floors.