ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE a FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for UNION DEPOT, LLC at 805 SW ADAMS ST, in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 1)
Body
BACKGROUND: Union Depot LLC has requested a façade improvement grant of $5,000 for the property at 805 SW Adams. The overall façade improvement is estimated at $11,523 and will include new windows, doors, and fascia improvements (see proposed rendering). The façade improvements will be conducted in concert with interior improvements for a new retailer leasing the 1,400 sf unit.
Mr. Jon Walker, owner of Union Depot LLC, purchased the 801 and 805 SW Adams in December 2015 with the intention of leasing the 805 SW Adams for commercial use. Mr. Walker is in the process of redeveloping the adjacent building at 801 SW Adams Street, for which he previously was awarded a façade improvement grant. The first floor tenant of that building, Zion Coffee, opened in February 2017. Work continues on the residential unit in that building.
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.
Council has approved 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: Not applicable.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Union Depot LLC will have the funds to make the façade improvements and visual 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: To Be Issued prior to Reimbursement.
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