Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for 939 North Magnolia Avenue in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports a range of interior and exterior improvements to enhance the corridor’s 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 consists of 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 includes office spaces, bathrooms, and an open room area suitable for business operations. The owners acquired the property in May 2026 and have already completed some improvements. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
The building, which was the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant of Ocala, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and holds historical significance for both its architectural quality and contribution to the community’s economy.
• Although the property is nationally recognized, its location outside any locally designated historic district means it does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0032
Applicant: Lange Real Estate, LLC
Applicant Representative: Tamie Lange
Address: 939 N. Magnolia Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475
Parcel ID: 2572-010-003
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves exterior cleaning, preparation of exterior surfaces for painting, exterior painting, and masonry repair.
Low Quote: $27,200
High Quote: $27,500
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $20,000
Lange Eye Institute opened its flagship location in The Villages in November 2006 and has since expanded to 14 locations across Florida. The new Ocala location, scheduled to open in February 2027, represents the latest step in the organization’s continued statewide growth and its investment in providing quality nutrition and eye care services to the community.
Maximum Grant Amount: $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 the property's location within the CRA, compliance with the 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 buildings and substandard structures. Enhancing the physical appearance of property will attract and retain business operations, halt property value deterioration, and promote growth.
• In 2020, the prior owner was awarded a grant (CRA20-0031) in the amount of $10,000 for exterior-related upgrades including surface preparation through pressure washing, exterior painting, window improvements, and foundation repair. More than five years have passed since the improvements were completed, making the proposed project eligible for funding.
Scope of Work and Project Cost 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 and preparing exterior surfaces for painting, exterior painting, and masonry repair of the entire building. 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 it into a fully functional commercial office.
• The proposed project is a first step to renovation and modernization of the building to accommodate the future Ocala location of the Lange Eye Institute.
• Planned improvements include a full interior build-out, elevator replacement, installation of updated lighting and electrical fixtures, new landscaping and signage, medical equipment installation, an eyeglasses gallery, staging areas, parking lot upgrades, and fresh exterior painting.
• The grant application is limited solely to the exterior painting of the building and masonry improvements.
• The overall project timeline begins in September 2026 and will progress through early 2027, with completion and a soft opening anticipated for February 2027.
• The proposed work is expected to improve durability, prevent premature deterioration, and elevate the overall presentation of buildings along the key corridors.
CRA Plan Compliance: North Magnolia: The proposed project is consistent with the North Magnolia CRA Redevelopment Plan, advancing goals to stabilize commercial corridors by strengthening business attraction and retention, encouraging redevelopment, and improving neighborhood aesthetics.
• Goal 4 - Economic Development: Maintain an economically sound industrial/business area.
o Objective 4.1 - Enhance the commercial tax base and promote business development.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached documents, including case maps, the application packet, staff supporting documents, and the grant framework.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee recommended approval at the meeting held on July 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
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 in which the project is completed, and final costs are verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny