Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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Presentation By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant, located at 939 North Magnolia Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports façade modernization, signage, awnings, ADA compliance, and other interior and exterior improvements to enhance corridor vitality and attract business investment. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information: This property is a commercial building constructed in 1939. It has a taxable value of $629,964 a structure size of 12,635 square feet and is situated on a 0.63-acre lot. The building layout typically includes office spaces, bathrooms, and an open room area suitable for business operations. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant of Ocala, holds historical significance for both its architectural quality and its vital contribution to the community’s commercial development. The owners acquired the property in May 2026 and have completed some improvements independently. Property taxes are current and fully paid. (Zoning B-5 Wholesale Business)
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0032
Applicant: Lange Real Estate, LLC
Applicant Representative: Tamie Lange
Address: 939 N Magnolia Avenue
Parcel ID: 2572-010-003
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves cleaning, preparing exterior surfaces for painting, painting and masonry repair.
Low Quote: $27,200
High Quote: $27,500
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $20,000
Maximum Grant Amount: The maximum grant amount is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review: Staff verified that the property is located within the CRA, reviewed the project for compliance with program guide, and confirmed that work will begin after approval. The scope addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with a high share of aging stock and substandard structures by improving visual impact and adding to the quality of structure.
Bid Review: Staff reviewed the two contractor estimates submitted with the application. The proposed project costs range from $27,200 to $27,500. Both estimates include cleaning, preparing exterior surfaces for painting, exterior painting and masonry repair. While the contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail, staff finds the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work.
Site Visit Review: Staff conducted a site visit on July 1, 2026, and confirmed that the scope of work and contractor estimates accurately reflect the improvements required to renovate the building and convert into a fully functional commercial office.
• The proposed project consists of a comprehensive renovation and modernization of the building to support the occupancy of the new Lange Eye Institute. Planned improvements include a comprehensive interior build-out, change of the elevator, installation of updated lighting and electrical fixtures, and fresh exterior painting. This application only covers the exterior painting, surface preparation and some masonry repair to the building.
• Repainting the commercial façade will further elevate corridor aesthetics and strengthen activation of the North Magnolia Avenue business corridor, aligning with the CRA’s broader commercial improvement goals. Collectively, the improvements will ensure the property is fully prepared for commercial use and capable of supporting long-term business operations.
• On December 15, 2020, the former property owner Theresa Molini rented the property to NOMA Art Gallery. They were awarded a Commercial Improvement Grant (CRA20-0031) in the amount of $10,000 for improvements that included surface preparation (pressure washing cleaning), exterior painting, windows and foundation repair.
o There is a five-year waiting period before similar improvements that were previously funded can be considered for another grant.
CRA Plan Compliance: North Magnolia: The proposed project is consistent with the North Magnolia CRA Redevelopment Plan, advancing goals to stabilize commercial corridors, encourage redevelopment, and improving neighborhood aesthetics.
• Goal 4 - Economic Development: Maintain an economically sound industrial/business area, Objective 4.1 - Enhance the commercial tax base and promote business development. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached documents, including Case Maps, Application Packet, Staff Supporting Documents and Grant Framework.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding: Adequate funding is available in the North Magnolia CRA Grants account 622-016-553-559-55-82010. The reimbursement will be paid after completion and verification of the approved scope of work. The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed and verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny