ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE a FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for ZION COFFEE LLC at 803-805 SW ADAMS ST, in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 1)
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BACKGROUND: Zion Coffee LLC, owned by Mike and Banu Hatfield, has requested a façade improvement grant of $5,000 for their business at 803 SW Adams. The overall façade improvement will be around $10,000 and will include the creation of three new window openings and the installation of three new double hung windows to match the upper floor (see proposed rendering). The proposed improvement would enhance the Oak Street side of the building. Presently there are no window openings on the first floor facing Oak Street.
Mr. Jon Walker, owner of Union Depot LLC, purchased the building in December 2015 with the intention of leasing the first floor for retail and the second floor for residential. Mr. Walker received a façade award of $5,000 on April 12, 2016 for a major façade redevelopment of nearly $60,000. The façade award was specifically allocated for tuck-pointing two sides of the building facing Adams and Oak Street, which is still in progress. The installation of windows is the responsibility of the tenant.
Façade grants are provided on the condition that: a) funds are available, b) proposed improvements are eligible, c) the project is approved by City Council, d) improvements are completed according to an agreement, and e) receipts are verified for reimbursement. Payment of this grant is contingent upon the applicant pulling a building permit and doing work according the City codes.
Council has created a Façade Improvement Program to assist with the revitalization of commercial buildings and neighborhoods. Grants reimbursements for 50% of eligible project cost up to $5,000 per property are made available for façade improvements. The program is intended to encourage owners and business tenants of existing properties to restore or renovate their buildings, in order to improve the area’s physical character and enhance the aesthetics of the commercial environment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If approved, the City will reimburse 50% of eligible project cost up to $5,000 and will utilize funds from the Warehouse District Façade Improvement CIP Project T14004.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: None.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Zion Coffee LLC would make the façade improvements and visually enhance the building and create a lively dynamic in the Warehouse District.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The project may be delayed, reduced, or cancelled.
ALTERNATIVES: None
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
3. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Grow employers and jobs.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office