Edina HRA approves Spark support for three small businesses, including $200,000 forgivable loan for Americana

The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority on Dec. 11 approved a package of Spark program awards intended to spur small-business investment along France Avenue and nearby retail corridors.

The board approved a forgivable loan of $200,000 to support an Americana restaurant redevelopment at 5036 France Avenue, part of a project the city described as roughly $3,000,000 in total construction. Economic development manager Bill Neuendorf told commissioners the loan would be structured as a reimbursable, forgivable loan that funds only physical improvements that remain with the property, and that forgiveness is conditioned in the contract. "The total forgivable loan amount that we're looking at and proposing this morning is $200,000 out of a $3,000,000 project," Neuendorf said. The city also recommended using up to $100,000 of Spark funds for public improvements in the 50th and France area such as sidewalks and new lighting. Commissioner Jackson moved approval; Commissioner Agnew seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.

The HRA also approved two smaller Streamline Grants capped at $24,000 each. The first will reimburse part of build-out costs for Coders Clubhouse LLC at 7101 France Avenue, a proposed coding and makerspace aimed at school-age youth. Founders Katie and Jeremiah Talmonte told the board the business will offer instructor-led coding classes, a makerspace and high-school internship pathways; they said build-out begins in January with an intended April opening. Neuendorf said the Coders Clubhouse project has a total investment of about $267,000 and the grant would fund permanent improvements (an additional ADA toilet room and HVAC work) that remain with the tenant space.

The board also voted to approve a Streamline Grant for JJ's Poke Minnesota Inc., a restaurant expanding into an adjacent storefront at 6815 York Avenue. Neuendorf said the project’s total investment is roughly $285,000 and that unexpected sewer/SAC fees stalled construction. Contractor Calvin and owner Henry told the HRA the funding gap stopped the project; Calvin said the grant would allow work to resume immediately. Commissioner Egnor moved approval and Commissioner Jackson seconded; the motion carried.

Neuendorf said the Spark program originally directed nearly $9.5 million across participating TIF districts and that about $1 million remained available statewide for similar projects; he noted Spark funds must be expended under program rules by December 2026. He described the grants and forgivable loan as reimbursable (the city pays after documented invoices and lien waivers are provided) and said the HRA limits funding to a small portion of total private investment to leverage outside capital.

The HRA’s actions were procedural approvals authorizing staff to implement the contract terms and to execute the grant and loan agreements. The Americana owner-operator Daniel Del Prado and the other business representatives were present for questions during the meeting.