As the Gainesville City Commission approved reallocating $500,000 for a new Streatery Improvement Grant Program, commissioners also learned the long-awaited Streatery reconstruction could be completed by early September.
During the Aug. 13 General Policy Committee meeting, Interim Chief Operating Officer Brian Singleton said the $4.5 million construction project along Southwest First Avenue is nearing completion.
The Streatery stretches along Southwest First Avenue between Southwest Second Street and South Main Street.
On March 5, commissioners approved a contract with D.E. Scorpio Construction to improve the 125-year-old roadway. The project includes overhead string lighting, new landscaping, enhanced tree canopies and upgraded stormwater drainage infrastructure.
Construction crews began fencing off sections of Southwest First Avenue on April 13 to start work on the project.
Singleton said he was offering the projected reopening timeline with a “caveat,” noting that final details still need to be confirmed before a definitive reopening date can be announced.
Singleton thanked nearby businesses and Scorpio for their cooperation throughout the project. He also noted that Southwest First Street reopened last week and that the city plans to issue a call for artists to help incorporate public art into the Streatery.
Mayor Harvey Ward acknowledged Singleton’s goal of completing construction before the Gators’ first home football game on Sept. 5 and ahead of Fest, the annual downtown music festival scheduled for Oct. 23-25.
City approves grant program for Streatery businesses
With Commissioner Bryan Eastman absent, the City Commission unanimously approved Commissioner James Ingle’s motion to establish a grant program aimed at helping businesses and property owners make improvements that complement the city’s redevelopment of the Streatery.
Funded through the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area, the Streatery Improvement Grant Program will provide up to $50,000 per business address for public-facing improvements including enhancing storefronts, signage, windows and doors, exterior painting and masonry work, landscaping and planters, outdoor dining furniture and awnings, etc.
Under the program, grant awards will cover 100% of the first $15,000 in eligible project costs and 50% of additional qualifying expenses. Businesses spending at least $85,000 on eligible improvements could receive the program’s maximum award of $50,000.
The program is expected to launch this fall. Applications will be accepted through a single competitive round, with the application deadline to be announced following final City Commission approval.
Business owners welcome relief
Several established and soon-to-open businesses near the Streatery, including Alpine Bistro and Cafe Voltaire, Afternoon Restaurant, Baby J’s and Cry Baby’s, spoke in support of the program.
Soon-to-open business Brewing Thoughts co-owner Titan Wojciak, a 20-year-old University of Florida student, said the coffee shop is preparing to open and that many businesses along the Streatery have struggled during construction.
“A lot of businesses are hanging on until fall,” Wojciak said.
Wojciak said he initially thought news of the grant program was only a rumor but added that business owners are excited about the opportunity.
“If we really want to bring the street to life, it’s going to take us a couple of months for us to keep opening in the fall, get us some money and then kind of buy furniture. But through this grant, we can do it in a couple months and really get it going,” Wojciak said.
Alpine Bistro and Cafe Voltaire owner Sita Challandes Marlier said the impact of construction on local businesses was greater than many expected.
She said her fears about a difficult summer were realized, and at one point she worried Cafe Voltaire might not survive.
“I thought I would have to change careers,” Marlier said, noting that while business dipped significantly during construction, it later began to recover once some of the Streatery opened up.
After learning about the grant program, Marlier thanked city leaders for listening to business owners’ concerns.
“The idea of creating a vibrant downtown is so exciting, and we’re totally on board,” she said. “We’re happy you’re gathering us and putting us in your plan. I’m very grateful.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Streatery reopening near as Gainesville approves business aid
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
