Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Downtown Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 101 East Silver Springs Boulevard Suite 104, in an amount not to exceed $49,500
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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 Downtown 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).
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0022
Applicant: Culinary Perfection, LLC, D/B/A 36 Bistro Restaurant
Address: 101 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite 104
Parcel ID: 2823-064-006
Scope of Work: The proposed project includes a restaurant interior buildout and substantial improvements to Suite 104 to prepare the site for safe, compliant, and functional commercial use. The scope of work includes structural upgrades, replacement of cosmetic materials, and installation of fixtures and equipment to support food service operations.
Quotes: Low Quote: $99,000 High Quote: $100,000
Recommended Grant Amount: $49,500
Property Information: This property is a multi-story commercial building constructed in 1913. It has a taxable value of $2,253,955, a ground-floor structure of 6,664 square feet, and is situated on a 0.15-acre lot. The building layout generally includes office spaces, bathrooms, a restaurant, and an open room area suitable for business operations. The restaurant will be in Suite 104 with 1,657 square feet for its operations.
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000, covering up to 50 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 boundary and in 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 stock and substandard structures, improving livability, visual quality, and economic development prosperity.
The application was submitted on April 29, 2026; however, the application form was originally submitted without the required signature of the authorized representative of Culinary Perfection, LLC (“the Applicant”). The authorized representative executed the application on May 6, 2026, after which it was duly submitted to CRA staff.
Site Visit Review: Staff conducted a site visit on April 22, 2026, and confirmed that the proposed scope of work and contractor estimates accurately reflect the substantial improvements required to convert Suite 104 into a functional commercial restaurant.
The level of renovation is consistent with the CRA Downtown Subarea Commercial Building Improvement Grant - Interior Renovations criteria, which emphasize comprehensive renovation for new tenant buildouts of vacant spaces. According to the Framework, eligible interior projects typically involve improvements to structural systems, cosmetic material upgrades, installation of fixtures and equipment, building and fire code compliance, and major mechanical systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, all of which are included in this application.
Downtown Square Ocala, LLC has leased Suite 104 to Culinary Perfection, LLC for the development of 36 Bistro, a fine dining establishment. This dining concept requires an exceptionally high standard of kitchen performance, service precision, and facility quality. In pursuit of Michelin-level execution, the space must support specialized equipment, advanced ventilation systems, precise temperature control, and a high-functioning layout that meets international culinary standards. These requirements necessitate extensive improvements beyond cosmetic upgrades.
The proposed buildout includes major infrastructure upgrades essential for safe, compliant, and sustainable restaurant operations. These improvements include:
• Installation of new HVAC systems capable of supporting commercial kitchen heat loads
• Comprehensive plumbing and vent system upgrades, including code-required piping and corrections
• Installation of grease traps and all associated drainage requirements
• Full commercial exhaust and hood systems, including fire suppression and cage/exhaust components
• Structural modifications and life-safety improvements to meet current Building and Fire Codes, including Fire Protection and Accessibility
• Cosmetic and material upgrades
These improvements align with the CRA’s stated intent for interior renovation grants, which target projects that bring vacant or underutilized commercial spaces to a functional and code-compliant condition. The applicant will also be making other improvements to the building's exterior; those items are not included in this grant application. This investment is essential to establish a code-compliant, safe, and functional restaurant space.
The transformation of Suite 104 from unused space into a high-end restaurant will enhance commercial diversity, increase pedestrian activity north across State Road 40, and strengthen the downtown economy. Fine dining experiences are shown to attract visitors, increase local spending, and elevate the profile of urban districts-further advancing the CRA’s goals of vibrancy, economic development, and quality placemaking.
The application package includes a floor plan demonstrating how the space will be converted into a fully operational fine-dining restaurant. Property taxes for the site are current and paid in full.
CRA Plan Compliance:
Downtown CRA Redevelopment Plan: The proposed project aligns with the Downtown CRA's goals to enhance the urban core, promote adaptive reuse, and improve public realm connectivity. The application is compliant with the following strategies of the Downtown CRA:
• Strategy 1 - Linkages and Connections, the project supports streetscape improvements that enhance pedestrian and multimodal connectivity.
• Strategy 4.1.4 - Facilitate adaptive re-use opportunities and the creation of flexible and convertible spaces in Downtown.
• Strategy 6.2.8 - Enhance and promote the façade improvement and/or design assistance program to assist owners of existing structures in improving aesthetics and exterior function. This project represents an opportunity to strengthen the district’s economic vitality and visual character.
Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation:
The application is presented directly to the CRA Board.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval. Please refer to the attached Case Map/Aerial Map, Staff supporting documents, Downtown Ocala CRA Framework, and Application Packet.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the Downtown CRA Grants account 621-016-012-559-55-82010. This application is the third Downtown CRA grant request received this fiscal year. A total of $200,000 was budgeted for Downtown CRA grants in Fiscal Year 2025-26. The CRA Board previously approved two awards, one to The Forge and one to Häagen‑Dazs, each in an amount up to $50,000. There is a remaining balance of $100,000 available for new applications.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny