St. Cloud EDA to Review 3rd Round of Main Street Revitalization Grant Applications

(KNSI) – On Tuesday afternoon, the St. Cloud Economic Development Authority will review ten projects looking for funding through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Main Street Revitalization Program.

City staff will provide an overview at the meeting. The EDA is asked to review the projects and make recommendations to the Initiative Foundation.

Applicants can get up to 30% funding for their projects and must come up with the rest.

This is the third round of funding, and the city has around $220,000 left to distribute. St. Cloud got $1.5 million to help with redevelopment and so far has doled out $1,280,209 to 11 projects.

The Paramount Theatre is asking for $16,700 to repair and enhance its marquee. A storm damaged the street-level sign, and the theatre claims repairs are necessary for public safety and to give the building more curb appeal.

The Eastgate Business Center requests $18,500 to add ADA-compliant restrooms and redo the entryway.

Owners of the office building at 300 East St. Germain Street want $178,0000 for replacing the roof, upgrading the heating and HVAC systems, replacing the parking area, removing an obsolete bank canopy and installing ADA-compliant restrooms.

The White Horse restaurant and bar is asking for $3,600 to help replace its HVAC system.

The owners of the D.B. Searle’s building on 5th Avenue would like $18,500 to help renovate and reopen the old restaurant as a Mexican-style eatery called Tequilatown Cuisine & Club.

The Pickled Loon requests a $47,900 grant for remodeling the 1,900-square-foot second floor. The changes would include opening up the ceiling for a roof deck. The restaurant and bar would also upgrade its HVAC system.

US Bank Plaza would like $199,000 to upgrade its heating and cooling system in the 78,000-square-foot building. This includes replacing windows on the fourth and fifth floors.

Waseka Hospitality is asking for $30,000 to help renovate the old Dutch Maid Bakery building on East St. Germain. The owners would like to turn the former donut shop into a small art cafe and bistro.

CarSmart, 106 Lincoln Avenue Southeast, is asking for $76,000 to build a new autobody shop with a detail center and workshop.

2 Much Talent wants $31,200 to remodel and repair the former Ace Bar and Grill to use as its base of operations. 2MT is a Black Leaders for Student Success founder and works with black entrepreneurs, new start-ups and small businesses.

Two downtown businesses have also applied for the St. Cloud Downtown Exterior Improvement Grants. Companies need a 50% match. St. Cloud has around $46,000 left to distribute. Eight projects have already received around $54,000 in funding.

Wimmer Opticians is applying for around $3,500 to replace its awning.

St. Cloud Area Golden Gloves gym is asking for $10,000 to repaint the building, add new signage and remove overgrown trees.

The EDA will review and make recommendations based on the two new applicants.

The meeting is Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall.

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