St. Cloud Downtown Revitalization Grants Awarded

(KNSI) – Three downtown St. Cloud businesses have been approved for a grant program, matching 50% of a project’s overall cost up to $10,000.

The awards are for exterior façade improvements. Economic Development Executive Director Cathy Mihelich says funding set aside for the local grants program totals $100,000, and it will remain open on a rolling basis until the money has been exhausted. Mihelich says two were approved in September.

“Last month, the EDA did review its first round of applications and awarded an application to Waldo’s for their exterior improvements that need to be made to the building as well as another grant to Dolsie’s [Lunch Box Grill] for replacement of their awning.”

The Waldo’s Pizza renovation is more extensive, with an expected total cost of nearly $30,000. The eatery will add a stucco exterior. This week, Billig Opticians was also selected for a new awning.

Mihelich says five companies were selected to advance in the Main Street Revitalization Program, a 30% match, run in conjunction with the Initiative Foundation.

“The EDA did approve five different projects to go forward as funding recommendations and those projects include the Blue Goose Speakeasy at Pioneer Place, Cowboy Jack’s reconstruction, the Great River Children’s Museum, the Harvester Square event space and the Mackerel Building.”

A final decision on those nominees is expected later in the fall. Six projects were tabled by the board. Mihelich says they meet the criteria but the businesses need to provide more details to win approval.

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