RDA OKs $25,000 visual-improvement grant for Dustland Bar at 1433 S. Commerce

The Redevelopment Agency on April 16 approved a Commercial Visual Improvement Program (CVIP) agreement to provide up to $25,000 to Sticky 8 LLC (owner) and Dustland Bar LLC (tenant) for exterior improvements at 1433 South Commerce Street.

Dina Babsky, director of economic and urban development, said the project meets the redevelopment plan’s goals and will help eliminate blight in the Arts District. “This particular VIP grant will help this property to become what’s going to be known as the Dustland, a bar, restaurant, [and] live music type of venue,” Babsky said.

The applicants told the agency they are investing substantial private funds in the project. Babsky said the property owners are investing nearly $800,000 for overall renovation and about $130,000 for exterior work, figures that make the project eligible for the full $25,000 grant under the CVIP guidelines. The grant is to be used for exterior painting, new windows, fencing, and landscaping.

Jennifer Toller, a co-owner involved with the project, described local business ties and said the venue will be a gathering space for music and community. “We have a really awesome local community that have chipped in to help,” Toller said.

Councilwoman Diaz moved approval; the agency voted to carry the motion. Staff said the project is one block south of a new residential development on Cedar Street and that an opening later this year is possible though a specific date was not provided.

The grant will come from the RDA special revenue fund and is listed as Redevelopment Area 1, Ward 3. The agenda item was related to council item R-25-20-25. The agency recorded the motion as carried; the transcript does not include a roll-call vote tally.