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Estacada urban renewal agency approves $100,000 grant for renovation at 519 Southwest Beach Street
Summary
The Estacada Urban Renewal Agency voted to commit $100,000 toward renovations of the former Andale building at 519 Southwest Beach Street. Applicant Steve Locke told the agency the project includes facade, sidewalk and parking improvements, a plan to hire local contractors and a target opening of Aug. 1.
The Estacada Urban Renewal Agency on Tuesday voted to direct staff to prepare and sign a letter committing $100,000 in grant funding for renovations at 519 Southwest Beach Street, the former Andale building.
The project’s applicant, Steve Locke, told the agency the work will include interior and exterior renovations, new roofing and siding, sidewalk and parking improvements, landscaping and an expanded dining area. “We’re gonna be using…mostly local contractors to do the work,” Locke said, and added, “Our goal is to be open Aug. 1.”
Agency staff told the board the application shows a match of more than 50 percent and roughly $300,000 in repairs are planned. The staff report lists the proposal as meeting program goals including increasing assessed value, improving appearance, filling a long-vacant space, creating jobs and attracting businesses that remain open after 5 p.m.
Directors and staff at the meeting described the property as a long-standing eyesore on one of the town’s gateway blocks. “This was identified as one of our three most blighted blocks,” a board member said during discussion, noting the city had previously been unable to reach the prior owner. Several board members praised the applicant for completing the purchase and arranging repairs.
The motion before the board directed staff to prepare and sign a letter of commitment for a grant award of $100,000 to the applicant for redevelopment of 519 Southwest Beach Street. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. The recorded votes were: Director Blevins, aye; Director Dolezal (recorded as “Zolzol” in the transcript), aye; Director Metcalfe, aye; Director Prokop, yes; Director Tenbush, yes; Chair Drinkwine, yes. The agency’s action was recorded as approved.
Locke said the owners intend to use the site for a family-style restaurant that will create jobs and incorporate a youth-mentoring element for employees. He said the owners already hold title to the property and plan to hire local contractors for the parking and facade work. He also discussed the possibility of adding space for food carts or a future pod area on the site to expand options and potentially generate passive revenue.
Agency staff and board members noted the improvements would better connect to ongoing waterfront and parks planning and could complement other downtown upgrades. The board directed staff to finalize the commitment letter; the staff report and application materials remain part of the public record.
Votes at a glance: Motion to direct staff to prepare and sign a letter of commitment for a $100,000 grant award to the applicant for the redevelopment of 519 Southwest Beach Street — Passed (6–0).
