Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera, Esq.
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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 343 NE First Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $50,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub,
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND
Program Objective
The Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports interior renovations for business purposes, façade modernization, signage, awnings, ADA compliance, and other 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: CRA26-0010
Applicant: The Forge at Madison Commons, LLC
Address: 343 NE First Avenue
Parcel ID: 28234-010-00
Scope of Work: Renovation of three 40‑foot shipping containers repurposed as permanent commercial units. The scope includes structural upgrades, replacement of façade materials, and installation of fixtures, furniture, and equipment to support food service operations. Each unit will also be updated to meet current building and fire code requirements, including enhancements to fire protection systems and life safety features.
Quote(s): Low Quote(s): $165,371 High Quote(s): $176,985
Recommended Grant Amount: $50,000
Property Information
This property contains two commercial structures built in 1920. The larger building is being rehabilitated to accommodate multiple food-service tenants and office space. The owners acquired the property in July 2020 and have implemented plans to redevelop the entire site.
The secondary building is being converted into a microbrewery. The property currently has a taxable value of $810,781 and sits on a 2.64‑acre lot. Its taxable value is expected to increase following reassessment once the significant capital investment is completed.
Maximum Grant Amount
The maximum grant amount is $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 the property location within the CRA, compliance with the program guide, and confirmed that work will begin after approval. The scope addresses conditions of blight and will contribute to the economic revitalization of Midtown Ocala. A prior redevelopment agreement for this property does not preclude the developer from applying for an additional commercial improvement grant.
The Forge - Redevelopment Project
The City previously identified this property as a catalytic site in the Midtown Master Plan, anticipating that its redevelopment would generate significant economic activity within the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). In 2022, the City entered into a redevelopment agreement to support Phase 1 of the project, providing fee contributions, streetscape improvements, and a grant. In return, the applicant committed to a minimum investment of $4 million. Phase 1 is complete, and preparations for opening are pending the completion of Phase 2, which was not subject to the terms of the agreement.
The improvements proposed in this application fall under Phase 2 and were not included in the original redevelopment agreement. The applicant plans to make additional investments to build out more food-service space for lease to small and emerging local businesses.
When complete, The Forge will function as a multi-venue food and entertainment destination that stimulates economic activity, supports community gathering, and strengthens the connection between Midtown Ocala and Tuscawilla Park. The project enhances the district’s appeal for residents and visitors, further contributing to growth and revitalization within the CRA.
Site Visit Review
Staff completed a site visit on April 6, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. The proposed improvements will support the ongoing redevelopment and economic expansion at The Forge as part of a broader revitalization effort within the CRA. Staff observed that the scope of work is warranted given that:
• The Forge introduced additional restaurant and food service opportunities by installing three 40-foot shipping containers that were engineered and designed to serve as permanent, fixed commercial units. These containers have been welded to footer plates embedded in large concrete footings, establishing them as long-term structures intended to house new food offerings and generate fresh economic activity in the district.
• The application covers three units that are currently leased (Slider Shack, Ramen Noodles, and Pastry Planet). These units require substantial improvements to ensure safe, compliant, and functional commercial use.
• By turning previously unused space into viable, code-compliant, fully built-out food service locations, this project directly contributes to economic development goals. It enhances the commercial offerings available to residents and visitors.
The buildout parameters for the containers are detailed in the Application Package attachments. These include architectural, structural, and engineering specifications that outline how each container is to be converted into a functional commercial space.
CRA Plan Compliance
The proposed project aligns with the Downtown CRA Redevelopment Plan, advancing goals to enhance the urban core, promote adaptive reuse, and improve public realm connectivity. In accordance with Strategy 4.1.4 - Facilitate adaptive re-use opportunities and the creation of flexible and convertible spaces in Downtown, and 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, collectively, this project will strengthen the district’s economic vitality and visual character. These investments will generate new economic activity, support multiple small businesses, and enhance the vibrancy and commercial diversity of the CRA area.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation:
This application is being taken directly to the CRA Board for review and consideration.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the Downtown CRA Grants account (621-016-012-559-55-82010).
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny