St. Cloud Auto Shop Seeking Exterior Improvement Grant

(KNSI) – An auto body shop is looking to restore its exterior to an industrial yet modern look.

The detailing will set Second Shift Autowerks back $16,500. A sleek new black and silver paint scheme will help the business stand out to motorists flying by on nearby Division Street. It sits back from the VFW Post at 84 Osseo Avenue North.

To avoid having to put its plans in reverse, the business is asking the St. Cloud Economic Development Authority to help out. As part of the board’s Downtown Exterior Improvement Program, which was started in September 2002, it can give out grants up to 50% of the total project cost. Staff is recommending approval for $8,250.

Other projects that have received support through the program include the Billig Opticians, Dolsie’s Lunch Box Grille, Foley Mansion, and the U.S. Bank Building. Chair King Banaian says the grants have changed over the past 2.5 years. They can now be used for demolition costs. The initial pool was $100,000. If the Second Shift Autowerks grant is approved, it will be over 80% exhausted.

Banaian is looking forward to making the case to a new mayor and revamped city council to continue the program. The EDA meets Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the council chambers board room.

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