Orlando CRA approves incentives for two restaurants and an artist retail space in downtown and West Central
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Summary
The City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency approved funding agreements for Nick and Luke's at Lake Eola, District Gastrobar expansion on West Church Street, and Goblin Studios at 805 West Central Boulevard, with combined CRA incentives covering tenant improvements and rental assistance.
ORLANDO — The Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency on Aug. 11 approved funding agreements to support two restaurants and a retail/maker space in central Orlando, city staff said during the CRA segment of the meeting.
The approved agreements and eligibility figures in staff presentations were: Nick and Luke's Fine Food Proveir Inc., which signed a five‑year lease at 201 East Pine Street in the PNC Bank building on Lake Eola, reported a total build‑out cost of $239,000 and CRA funding eligibility of approximately $71,000 (about $46,000 for tenant improvements and $25,000 for rent abatement).
District Gastrobar Hospitality Inc., expanding at 534 West Church Street to a 5,400‑square‑foot space, was eligible for $158,000 in CRA assistance, with $108,000 for tenant improvements and $58,000 for rental assistance. Goblin Studios LLC, at 805 West Central Boulevard, listed a total build‑out cost of $150,000; the CRA package covered $75,000 in tenant improvements and $50,000 in rental assistance as described in staff remarks.
All three agreements were moved and seconded (motions recorded as by Commissioner Sheehan and Commissioner Rose for the items listed), and the CRA votes carried by voice vote, with staff available for questions on each item. The CRA presentations included square footage, lease terms and the portion of build‑out costs eligible for incentives; no objections or substantive debate were recorded in the transcript.
Why it matters: CRA incentives are commonly used to support small business openings and expansions in redevelopment areas. These agreements reduce up‑front capital barriers for tenant improvements and can speed openings that fit community redevelopment objectives.
What the record does not show: The staff presentation summarized eligibility and amounts; the transcript did not include detailed performance requirements, long‑term monitoring obligations, or whether beneficiaries must meet local hiring or SBE/Section 3 contracting targets. Staff said they were available for questions but none were recorded on the record for these items.