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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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for the property located at 1926 East Silver Springs Boulevard in an amount not to exceed $50,000
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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 East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports a range of 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 consists of a commercial building constructed in 1957. It has a taxable value of $833,003, a structure size of 35,080 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 owner acquired the property in April 2025 and completed some improvements independently. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0034
Applicant: 1926 E. Silver Spring, LLC
Applicant Representative: George Mobassaleh
Address: 1926 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34471
Parcel ID: 28332-001-03
Scope of Work: The proposed project includes replacing a pole sign with a monument sign and adding new landscaping areas.
High Quote: $111,750
Low Quote: $86,222
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $50,000
Giorgio’s Beauty Supply Warehouse opened in Ocala with a soft launch on April 24, 2026, followed by a grand opening on May 1, 2026. The business successfully converted the former Save A Lot grocery store into a large-scale beauty supply store. Giorgio’s is a partner business with Elegant Beauty Supplies, and together they operate 22 beauty stores across Florida.
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000, covering up to 60 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 substandard property improvements. Enhancing the physical appearance of property will attract and retain business operations, halt property value deterioration, and promote growth.
Scope of Work and Project Cost Review: Staff reviewed the four contractor estimates submitted with the application, two for landscaping improvements and two for sign replacement. The proposed project costs range from $86,222 to $111,750. Staff finds the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work. Although the scopes of work are comparable, we note a $25,528 cost difference attributable to project-specific circumstances for each contractor.
• Despite comparable scopes, differing contractor circumstances explain the cost gap. The applicant has already engaged one contractor for a major building expansion at the site. As a result, the contractor can offer reduced pricing by leveraging existing mobilization and labor efficiencies created through the planned work
o For the landscaping estimates, one contractor proposal is approximately $8,250 lower.
o For the sign replacement estimates, one contractor proposal is approximately $17,278 lower.
• Significant private investment has already been committed to the project. The property was acquired in April 2025 for approximately $1,888,750, with nearly $1,400,000 in planned interior buildout, stock inventory, exterior, structural, and site improvements.
Site Visit Review: Staff conducted a site visit on August 4, 2026, and confirmed that the contractor estimates accurately reflect the landscaping and sign improvements needed to enhance the property’s commercial functionality. The proposed upgrades, including new irrigation-supported landscaping and the replacement of the existing pole sign with a modern, code-compliant monument sign, are consistent with the intended scope of work and essential for strengthening the site’s appearance, visibility, and long-term operational readiness.
Based on onsite observations, staff confirms that the improvements are warranted for the following reasons:
• The proposed project focuses on targeted exterior improvements to strengthen the commercial functionality and visual presence of the property.
• Planned improvements include updated landscaping with new irrigation systems, installation of a modern monument sign compliant with City design guidelines, and general site enhancements intended to improve visibility and curb appeal.
o The property currently features an old pole sign that is severely deteriorated and visibly outdated. Its poor condition makes the storefront appear neglected, uninviting, and out of character with the commercial standards of East Silver Springs Boulevard.
o The property currently has no landscaping, leaving the site visually stark, uninviting, and inconsistent with the character of the corridor. The absence of vegetation and irrigation contributes to an unfinished appearance and reinforces the impression of limited investment in the property.
• The landscaping and sign installations are expected to be completed within 10 to 12 weeks of grant approval. The wider site improvements, including building expansion, are expected to be completed within nine months. The property is under an active site plan review with the City of Ocala.
Once all improvements are completed, the presence of Giorgio’s Beauty Supplies will significantly strengthen the commercial character of a primary corridor, furthering revitalization and economic growth along East Silver Springs Boulevard.
CRA Plan Compliance: The proposed project aligns with the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to revitalize key corridors, stabilize residential neighborhoods, and preserve historic character.
• Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment.
o Objective 4 - Establishing programs to remediate these conditions for property reuse; this property presents an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization.
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: The application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. 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