Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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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 property located at 2430 NE Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $27,777
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The East Ocala CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant encourages exterior facade improvements as a strategy to counter neighborhood deterioration and increase property values throughout the CRA. Properties located near 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. Please refer to the attached documents for the complete application packet.
Grant ID: CRA25-0027
Applicant: Caddiewhompus LLC/ Ocala Suites
Applicant Representative: Nancy Deichman
Address: 2430 NE Second Street
Parcel ID: 29204-001-00
Project Description: Reseal and restripe the parking lot, and repaint the exterior of the building.
Low Quote: $46,295
High Quote: $57,710
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• 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 Second Street. The applicant emphasized that, given the nature of the business, exterior appearance is critical to its success.
• 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 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 shows signs of wear and requires improvement.
• The applicant is also carrying out other interior renovations and property improvements that fall outside of the scope of the grant framework. Over the past nine months, the applicant has invested approximately $450,000 in improvements, including renovations to guest rooms, new signage, modifications to the lobby area, and the installation of a portico-covered walkway. For more details, refer to the document titled Applicant Letter to CRA Board, provided in the attachments.
• 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 appears to be consistent with the existing color scheme, with a darker gray preferred for the primary 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 60 percent of the project costs. If the proposed project is approved, the applicant would qualify for a maximum grant of $27,777.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation
The East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on August 27, 2025, and, after reviewing the application, voted to recommend denial. The Advisory Committee discussed the current condition of the property and concluded that the proposed improvements do not require immediate attention. Instead, the Advisory Committee recommended prioritizing CRA funds for areas with greater blight. The Advisory Committee suggested that the application may be reconsidered at a later date.
Staff Recommendation
Staff supports the proposed improvements to the property. The planned parking lot enhancements and repainting efforts align with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing property value and visual appeal. The intent of the CRA grant program is to stimulate private investment while addressing conditions of blight. According to grant guidelines, improvements funded by the CRA must be maintained for five years before applicants may seek additional funding for the same improvements. However, this requirement does not apply in this case, as the property has not previously received CRA grant funding. Therefore, the proposed improvements are eligible for consideration. The timing of the improvements is driven by recent changes in the Baymont by Wyndham agreement, which necessitate upgrades to meet updated brand standards.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available for the grants under consideration at this meeting. Payment will be made in the fiscal year in which the project is completed, using funds from the East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010).
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny