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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Approve a FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for Sophia Hibbard at 837 W. MAIN STREET, in the Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 2)
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BACKGROUND: Sophia Hibbard, owner of 837 W. Main Street, has requested a façade improvement grant of $5,000. The overall façade improvement would be over $12,750 and will include: a) replacement of the top 13 rows of brick, b) the addition of accent limestone brick, c) tuck-pointing of the entire front, as needed, d) replacement of sile-stone entrance step, e) tuck-pointing of chimney, and e) sign anchor reinforcement. (see proposed facade).
The building received a code violation (hearing date July 19) due to a 3 x 4 section of her façade bowing away from the wall-upper, right-hand corner (see current façade). Upon inquiry into the program, Ms. Hibbard was told the façade program does not fund code violation repairs, but rather façade improvements. She explained and demonstrated that her proposed project is an overall façade improvement and well beyond fixing the code violation, whose estimated repair is $2,040.
Sophia Hibbard purchased the building in June of 2009 and has a lease with Las Delicias Mexican Ice Cream Parlor on the first floor, and two residential units on the second floor.
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 a maximum of $5,000 and will utilize funds from the Façade Improvement CIP project E15007.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: No neighborhood groups were contacted regarding the project.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Owner will have the funds to make the façade improvements and visual enhance the building and create a more attractive commercial corridor.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The project may be reduced in scope.
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. Choose an item.
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Grow employers and jobs.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
3. Choose an item.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office