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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[05a] Local BlendCITY OF ST. JOSEPH ~,m~r. cityo(stjoscph.com DATE: October 14, 2009 MEMO TO: Economic Development Authority Administrator Judy Weyrens FROM: Cynthia Smith-Strack Municipal Development Group Mayor RE: BFA Grant Application: Prego, Inc., dba The Local Blend Al Rassier Background: Councilors In 2008 the EDA/City established the $1,000 matching BFAI Grant Program to encourage Steve Frank business redevelopment/revitalization. The matching grant is for architectural services and Bob Loso actual construction costs relating to facade redevelopment or landscape visible from public Renee Symanietz rights of way. The EDA's 2009 capital allocation included funding for BFA Grant applications. Dale wick The fund has been used sparingly throughout the year due to uncertainty regarding local government aid unallotment; the remaining balance is sufficient to cover additional BFA ESA applications. Carolyn Yaggie- Heinen The EDA has received an application for the Business Facade Architectural (BFA) Grant Ken Jacobson Program from Jeff and Stacie Engholm, Owners of Prego, Inc. dba The Local Blend. A copy of A] Rassier the application is attached for review. The application illustrates a total of $7,000 to $9,000 in Tom Skahen visible improvements to the Local Blend structure. Proposed improvements include replacement Uale wick of storefront windows (retain size/shape) for energy efficiency, removal of plywood from the structure which currently rests just above the awning, and signage updates. As you know, BFA program oversight and authority for grant approval was delegated to the EDA. The EDA is to review and approve grants based on the following guidelines on a first come, first served basis: 1. A project for which an application has been received will only be reviewed if it is filled out completely and accompanied by photographs illustrating subject building(s) and property. A complete application has been received. 2. Multiple property owners must submit separate applications for each property/project. N/A. 3. Any business owner under a lease who submits and application must obtain and provide written consent of the property owner. N/A. 4. Preference will be given to projects which: ^ Will positively contribute to the City revitalization/renewal efforts. The project will positively contribute to the downtown revitalization effort in that ine~cient storefront windows will be replaced (original size/shape retained) and that the original fagade will be exposed (a portion currently covered by plywood). ^ Will eliminate a blighting influence. n/a CITY OF ST. JOSEPH Wm~r. cityo(sgoscph.com • Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise. The Applicant has certified the visible improvements will not be made without grant assistance. ^ Demonstrate a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1. The proposed grant will induce a return $7-$9 for each grant dollar. 5. Project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, transportation plans and other applicable plans. The project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 6. Projects must be completed within a timely manner from date of official project approval (i.e. one year with a maximum extension of an additional six months). As indicated, dollars are limited and reimbursement will be made after project improvements are completed, and reimbursement requested. The project will be complete within one year. Review of Request: Review of the application is requested. Action: EDA consideration of the grant application is kindly requested. APPLICATION FOR ST. JOSEPH BUSINESS DISTRICT FACADE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GRANT PROGRAM '" Please read attached program criteria carefully before completing the application "" '"' Please remember to include photos of your building(s) and/or property as they relate to the types of improvements indicated on this application. "' Business Name: I Y`~- ~~°'1 P Property Address: I 1 1.~ ~ ~ t1~~d~~t ~'~ ; t 1 l Business Owner(s): ~~~ ~ 0 /tub ~Oltr\ `.Q~bo .NvC /Q,- ~ '(''- , Property Owner(s): -- M~ [ 1~+6, ti'P~ISS ~-'``~L, Mailing Address: ~ ~C ~~ Phone Number: ~ 3 ~ ~~ I ~ (~(~ 3 - bA1 ~ ~~ ~ Ct ~~ Fax Number: E-Mail Address: ` ~rt'f4.h ~aI h.. !- Mai I ~ (;p ~.-~ 1. On the attached page, please identify the specific improvements you are proposing for the building(s) and/or property. 2. Based on the proposed improvements identified, please provide your best estimate of the entire project cost: $ ~ra0a- ~.A~ _ 3. If the project cost comes in at, or exceeds your estima a do you have private funds readily available to complete the proposed the project? „~,_Yes No If No, by what means will you secure funding and still complete the project within a timely manner 4. If your project is approved, does completing the project timey pose any concems for you? Yes ~No If yes, Please list those concerns: PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please provide an accurate and thorough summary of your project. The photographs taken of your building(s) and property will assist in a visual manner to further support your written project description. Based on the description of your project and your motivation for wanting to make these improvements, please place a check mark next to those project preference item you feel your projecymeets. /~ Will positively contribute to the City's revitalization/renewal efforts. Will eliminate a blighting influence. Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise. Result in a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1. The information on this application is accurate. I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the program criteria for the St. Josep Business Facade Architectural Design Grant Program. ~ Authorized A ent: Date: ~10 1 Title: Y ~ "'~, ~~ nt u ; '~^~ ~~ O~ Mail or Deliver to: S~ Joseph Fapade Architectural Design Grant Program, City of SL Joseph Economic Development Authority 25 College Avenue North, P.O. Box 668 St. Joseph MN 56374 {~~e eve coffee shop & wine bar Sept 23`x, 2009 St Joseph Facade Architectural Design Grant Program City of St Joseph Economic Development Authority PROJECT DESORPTION Since Stacie and I took over the Local Blend in Apri108, our facade has always been on our agenda. The signage is small, has no depth, no side viewing, and is way too high. Our windows are single pane and create giant sheets of ice in the dead of winter, which is consequently ruining the interior wall below. A plywood sheet covers a large area of the front and is currently very unsightly, but difficult to fix without removal of the awning... a daunting task indeed. Most of the facade is brick, and, aside from needing a good cleaning, will be le$ in its historic beauty. The largest expense of the project will be the windows, for which I am in the process of getting rough estimates from local contractors. The new windows will be energy efficient double pane. For our project, we wil be working with artist and designer Bob McCoy (whose gallery currently resides in the Millstream Building, and who designed the interior of "On A Lark"). Bob has sketched a few ideas forme, but most likely will keep the awning or replace it, and make use of two to four banners hung along the top, where the current signage resides. (Banners would be somewhat similar to what is hanging at the Millstream shops, although larger and more colorful.) Bob's designs are beautiful and eye catching and he has a great knack for the commercial. We want our fagade to be eye-catching and fun, but yet respectfiilly reflect the historic aspects of our downtown St. Joseph.