The Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 23 authorized up to $200,000 in additional CRA funding to complete restoration of the historic Robinsons Grocery building, supplementing $302,020 previously set aside from Neighborhood First funding and earlier CRA allocations.

Executive Director Cox told the board that the architect completed plans and the project was put out to bid under the state grant’s historical-preservation requirement. Three contractors attended the pre-bid meeting but only one submitted a proposal: Tiptop Construction’s bid was $896,000, which Cox said was roughly double the agency’s available budget after prior architecture and engineering costs. "The quote was well above that, so that's part of why we're here today," Cox said.

Several community speakers representing the Bond neighborhood urged rehabilitation of the building as a multiuse community resource. Reverend Dr. Geraldine Harris and representatives from Allen Temple CME Church offered volunteer oversight, tutoring, food drives and health outreach. Jacqueline Perkins, a lead organizer with the Historic Robinsons Working Group, told the board the 2018 CRA-authorized grant application described the intended use as the "Bond Community Heritage and Resource Center," and that the project had secured MOUs and a Florida Division of Historical Resources special-category grant. "The restored facility would serve as the Bond Community Heritage and Resource Center," Perkins said, listing on-site health checks, telehealth and fresh-food distribution among planned services.

Board members discussed funding mechanics and governance. Several members noted that $302,020 had already been allocated from the Neighborhood First plan and that the CRA had previously spent about $60,000 on engineering and architecture. Board member Matlow moved option 3 — authorizing use of the Neighborhood First allocation and approving up to $200,000 additional CRA funds — and Board member Porter seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote; the transcript records an "aye" vote but no roll-call tally.

Cox said staff had not yet solicited an operator for the restored facility and that the board’s action would allow the city to enter an agreement with Tiptop Construction if funding is made available. Board members urged the neighborhood CAT team and Greater Bond Neighborhood stakeholders to reach consensus on long-term operations and programming before additional operating funds are requested.

The board’s action funds structural restoration and interior work to create a usable shell (restrooms, electrical, office space). Staff said the state grant’s deadline had been extended to June (year not specified in transcript) and that staff preferred to complete work well before that date.