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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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 that currently exist 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 requires an applicant match of 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 Haagen-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 full 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 econo...
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