Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 2430 NE 2nd Street, in an amount not to exceed $27,777
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BACKGROUND:
The East Ocala CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant encourages exterior façade improvements as a strategy to counter neighborhood deterioration and increase property values throughout the CRA. Properties located in close proximity to the major corridors are targeted to create a vibrant community. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $50,000, covering up to 60 percent of the project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. Refer to the attached documents for the entire application packet.
Grant ID: CRA25-0027
Applicant: Ocala Suites/ Caddiewhompus LLC
Applicant Representative: Nancy Deichman
Address: 2430 NE 2nd Street
Parcel ID: 29204-001-00
Project Description: Reseal and restripe the parking lot. Repainting of building’s exterior.
Low Quote: $46,295.00
High Quote: $57,709.85
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are outlined below:
- The property is located within the boundaries of the East Ocala Community Redevelopment subarea.
- The 40-bed hotel has operated as Ocala Suites since its construction in 2021. It recently transitioned to a Wyndham franchise, prompting required upgrades to enhance the quality of its offerings.
- The applicant is seeking a grant to improve the property's overall curb appeal. The hotel is visible from NE 25th Avenue and NE 2nd Street. The applicant emphasized that, given the nature of the business, exterior appearance is critical to its success. The applicant is also carrying out other interior renovations and property improvements to the property that fall outside of the scope of the grant framework.
- The building has a total ground floor area of approximately 7,423 square feet. For a building of this size, repainting represents a significant capital investment. The applicant is requesting funding support to improve the property’s visual appearance in order to attract more customers. The applicant stated that the paint is faded compared to the desired standard and is part of the overall push to improve the property. The parking lot showed signs of wear and require improvement. The property owner is also making additional improvements that fall outside the scope of the grant program.
- Per the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Plan (2016), colors and veneer materials should reflect the desired architectural character of the building and the neighborhood. The proposed color scheme would be consistent with the existing color scheme, with a darker gray preferred for the main color.
- The Grant Review Committee (GRC) conducted a site visit on August 18, 2025. During the visit, the GRC observed that the building was well maintained and in good condition.
- Per the program guidelines the applicant is eligible for a grant match of up to 75 percent of the project costs. If the proposed project is approved, the applicant would qualify for a maximum grant of $27,777.
ALTERNATIVE:
- Approve with Changes
- Table
- Deny