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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Downtown Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Building Improvement Grant for property located at 40 S. Magnolia Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $50,000
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BACKGROUND:
The intent of the Commercial Building Improvement Grant program is to encourage private investment into commercial properties in the Downtown Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The program addresses key statutorily defined blight conditions in the CRA, including vacant or underutilized commercial space, obsolete or substandard interior spaces, inadequate life-safety and/or accessibility provisions, and deteriorating or inappropriate facades.
• In February 2022, the grant was revised to target applications that undertake a comprehensive restoration project in the Downtown; applicants are now required to submit multiple work elements to qualify for a grant.
• In December 2023, the maximum grant was increased to offset the rising cost of construction and to encourage more business owners to invest in their property. Currently, the maximum annual grant available per applicant is $50,000, and applicants must match at least 50 percent of the project cost.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0052
Applicant: EZ Wellness LLC / Haagen-Dazs
Representative: Jamie Zimbleman
Address: 40 S. Magnolia Ave
Parcel ID: 2853-046-201
Project Description: Full interior buildout of a vacant space into a Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Shop franchise.
High Quote: $516,606
Low Quote: $447,371
Recommended Grant Amount: $50,000
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The proposed project aligns with the intent of the grant and the program guidelines. The applicant will occupy a vacant space and conduct a complete renovation in the heart of Downtown Ocala.
• The tenant holds a long-term lease ending in 2036, with the possibility of further extensions. This contributes to a stable downtown economic environment.
• The proposed improvements will be subject to building permit approval. The plans outline a full interior buildout aligned with the Häagen-Dazs franchise model's layout and design. The total interior gross leased area is 1,300 square feet.
o Construction of the store will consist of complete tenant improvement work, including all required partitions, ceilings, floors, electrical, and mechanical systems within the landlord’s leased space. Some specialty finish materials will be furnished by the tenant and installed by the contractor.
• The tenant is funding the project. While the high construction costs present a challenge, the grant request will help offset these expenses and improve the project's feasibility.
o To qualify for the maximum grant amount, a minimum project cost of $100,000 is required. The proposed investment costs far exceed this threshold.
• Per the Downtown Ocala Master Plan (2004), Downtown is a hub for retail, commercial, and entertainment activities. These one-of-a-kind retail and entertainment opportunities must be maintained and enhanced to ensure an active, lively city center.
• The Grant Review Site Visit was held on Friday, December 5, 2025. Ms. Tamara York represented the Advisory Committee at this visit. Also present were two members of staff and the applicant’s representative, Jamie Zimbleman.
• The Downtown Ocala Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. Members Don Gulling, Tamara York, and Brad Harper were present; however, one additional member was unable to attend at the last minute.
o Committee member Don Gulling submitted written support for the project after reviewing the posted meeting agenda.
o The application was advanced to the CRA Board to avoid a significant delay for the applicant. The project is scheduled to begin construction if the grant is approved. Staff is requesting the CRA Board’s review and decision on the application.
Based on the information presented in the application, staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant will be paid out of the grant account 621-016-012-559-55-82010 in the fiscal year in which the project is completed. This is the first application to be reviewed by the Downtown CRA in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny