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CRA approves facade grant and restaurant assistance for Heat Wave, updates policies and small contracts
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency approved updates to CRA policies, a one‑year pressure‑washing agreement and two grant/assistance awards for a new restaurant in Paramore (Heat Wave): a facade reimbursement of about $129,000 and $125,000 in restaurant program assistance (split $75,000 tenant improvements, $50,000 rent assistance).
The Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Jan. 27 approved updates to its policy and procedures, a one‑year pressure‑washing services agreement, a façade grant and restaurant assistance for a new Paramore business known as Heat Wave.
CRA staff presented proposed policy and procedure updates that document the agency’s review processes, add a real estate policy, update program lists and clarify the executive director’s authority for small grants. The council approved the updates by motion from Commissioner Rose with a second from Commissioner Sheehan; the vote carried without recorded opposition.
The CRA also approved a one‑year agreement with Greenworks (pressure washing) to allow additional event‑related cleaning within the CRA area; the staff presentation stated the agreement is “not to exceed 995” as written in the meeting record. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Rose and seconded by Commissioner Stewart and passed.
Two business assistance items for a new Paramore restaurant called Heat Wave were approved. Staff said Heat Wave is leasing 741 West Church Street (former Stonewall site) and seeks façade improvements (windows, stucco, woodwork and painting) eligible for CRA reimbursement under Paramore facade rules; staff stated the reimbursable portion is about 129,000. In a second action the CRA approved Heat Wave’s participation in the restaurant assistance program: $125,000 in total assistance, consisting of $75,000 for tenant improvements and $50,000 in rental assistance, because the location is in Paramore. Both motions were moved by Commissioner Rose, seconded by Commissioner Sheehan, and passed on unanimous voice votes.
CRA staff said the restaurant expects to open in April. The meeting record identifies the business but does not include a signed grant agreement or a detailed project budget in the public record shown at the hearing.
The CRA indicated it will solicit further competitive procurements if services are needed beyond the initial contract terms and will update the council on program implementation.
