ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE a FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for SOUS CHEF, LLC at 1311 SW ADAMS ST, in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 1)
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BACKGROUND: Katie and Raphael Rodolfi have requested a façade improvement grant of $5,000 for the property at 1311 SW Adams. The overall façade improvement is estimated at $10,030.69 and will include improvements to the front and side of their building. Improvements to the front of the building on Adams Street includes painting the wood areas, and adding three planters. The improvements to the side of the building on Pecan Street include: a) replacing an entrance door, b) adding signage, c) new entrance canopy, d) AC unit enclosure, and e) parking lot repair, seal, and coat. The Rodolfi’s request of $5,000 is above the $4,765.35 that would normally be granted, so they can purchase an ornate planter from Wheel Art Pottery, a local artist, rather than a functional planter from the hardware store.
The façade improvement will be conducted in concert with the planned opening of Sous Chef. Sous Chef is an "old school" grocery market with local, sustainably raised/grown/made products. Sous Chef will also provide seasonal offerings that include meals prepared in-house for consumption at home or on site in the café seating area. The Rodolfi’s purchased 1311 SW Adams in July 2017 and have leased nearly the entire first floor except for the 1,400 sf they will utilize. Current tenants include: a) WAXology in the WHAIRhouse, b) Videogénique-owned by Raphael Rodolfi, and c) Soulside Healing Arts.
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: Sous Chef 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