Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala Historic Building Improvement Grant for the property located at 507 E. Fort King Street in the amount of $37,751
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The intent of the East Ocala Historic Building Improvement Grant program is to restore and renovate eligible historic buildings. Eligible buildings are within the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and Ocala Historic District that were built in 1922 or earlier and have retained much of their historic architectural integrity. Certain work items are subject to approval by the Ocala Preservation Advisory Board (OPHAB). The replacement of windows is listed as an eligible improvement that can be reimbursed through the program. The maximum grant to be awarded annually is $40,000; the required applicant match is 40 percent of the project costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The applicant (Sandra DeMonte) is requesting to replace the windows at 507 E. Fort King Street, which is currently used as office space. The application underwent review per the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. On August 26, 2024, the East Ocala Grant Review Committee visited the site and recommended approval of the request. Subsequently, on August 28, 2024, the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee also recommended approval of CRA24-45796.
The property is in the Ocala Historic District. Specific improvements in the Historic District require an approved certificate of appropriateness (COA) from the Ocala Historic Preservation Board (OHPB). On August 1, 2024, OHPB approved COA24-45756 confirming that the proposed improvements are consistent with the historic guidelines.
All the windows in the property will be replaced. For additional details, including photos of the exist...
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