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Estacada agency approves $100,000 grant commitment for 103 SW Highway 224 facade project
Summary
The Urban Renewal Agency approved a letter of commitment for a reimbursement grant of up to $100,000 (or 50% of project cost, whichever is less) for exterior improvements to 103 SW Highway 224, a building housing a dental clinic and The Grind coffee shop.
The Estacada Urban Renewal Agency voted to direct staff to prepare and sign a letter of commitment for a reimbursement grant to support exterior improvements at 103 Southwest Highway 224.
Dr. Amit, the owner-operator who applied on behalf of the dental clinic tenant, described a planned full exterior façade upgrade that would include new siding, an upgraded roof and energy-efficient windows, door replacements, a parapet wall to conceal rooftop HVAC units and landscaping improvements. "It's time to make a few changes to the exterior of the building," Dr. Amit said, adding that the building owner has permitted him to lead and finance the project if the grant is awarded.
The nut graf: the agency's action provides a conditional, reimbursable commitment — up to $100,000 or 50% of project costs, whichever is less — and does not release funds until design approvals, permits and reimbursement documentation are completed.
Staff noted the grant is reimbursement-based and capped; multiple contractor bids are not required but may be advisable to reduce applicant risk if bids exceed estimates. The staff-recommended motion (page 17 of the staff report) directs staff to prepare a commitment letter for the amount of $100,000 or 50% of project cost, whichever is less.
Several board members praised the applicant for taking initiative and said the façade upgrade fits downtown gateway goals. Chair Drinkwine said the project aligns with the city's C-2 zone and called it "a great idea." The board also reminded the applicant that the downtown design standards approval process must be completed before work begins. Dr. Amit said he has engaged a design company and an engineer and had submitted paperwork for design approval but had not yet received full design-permit approvals.
A motion to prepare and sign a letter of commitment for the grant award passed on a roll call vote.
