Sofas have replaced toothpaste. Lamps stand where checkout lines once ran, and soon, permanent awnings proclaiming the arrival of Rife's Home Furniture in downtown Coos Bay will take up space previously festooned with Rite-Aid signage.

The store at 187 S. Second St., is one of four downtown Coos Bay stores that plan to improve the exterior of buildings. Unlike the others, however, Rife's will be making the changes without any assistance from the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency. At its meeting Tuesday, the agency decided not to provide a facade grant for the Rife's project, estimated to cost between $21,000 and $32,000. Its decision hinged on concerns expressed by the Historic Design Review Committee, which suggested the color of a new awning could be too bright and appear much like a large sign. Planning Administrator Laura Barron said she spoke with the owner, Kevin Rife, who informed her he already had ordered the material and could not tone down the color of the awnings. Since the project would take place with or without the city's grant, agency members voted unanimously to decline the application. The furniture store is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Sunday. The 23,000-square-foot store carries a full line of furniture for the home. For more information, those interested can call 266-7376.