Initiative Foundation Invests $5 Million in Downtown Revitalization, Boosting St. Cloud and Surrounding Communities

(KNSI) — The Initiative Foundation has awarded over $5 million in downtown improvements to several communities, including St. Cloud.

It’s part of the Minnesota Main Street Revitalization Program. The funding is supported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

In St. Cloud, Waseka Hospitality, LLC on East St. Germain Street received $54,435 to renovate a bistro building. That will be put toward the total project cost of $181,450. Midnight Real Estate, LLC on West St. Germain Street landed $199,000 to demolish and reconstruct the Cowboy Jack’s building, which was heavily damaged by a fire in February of 2020 at the Press Bar and Parlor, which was next door. The total project cost is $4 million. Two blocks down West St. Germain, the Pickled Loon got $47,950 to renovate the upstairs of the existing building. The total project cost is $159,835.

About 10 remaining projects have been recommended for funding and are still securing bids or developing the documentation required to receive a grant. St. Cloud, East St. Cloud, Cold Spring, and Little Falls are all on the list.

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