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Wendell OKs up to $50,000 for downtown restaurant kitchen upgrade at 37 N. Main
Summary
The Wendell Board of Commissioners approved a downtown improvement grant of up to $50,000 to support conversion of an event space at 37 North Main Street into Max Restaurant; applicants estimate about $130,000 in construction costs and said the request covers kitchen systems only.
The Wendell Board of Commissioners voted to approve a downtown improvement grant not to exceed $50,000 to support commercial-kitchen upgrades at 37 North Main Street, the site planned to become Max Restaurant.
Staff member Mr. Coats told the board the downtown improvement grant program pays reimbursements for eligible work and that the current application “is for the commercial kitchen upgrades only and does not include any facade work.” He said the building, constructed in 1924, qualifies under program rules and that the request qualifies as a tier 4 grant, which requires a signed grant agreement.
Applicants Kathy and Peter Dara described turning the existing event space into a full-service restaurant, saying the building has no current kitchen and will need a hood, fire and sprinkler upgrades, gas lines, electrical and substantial refrigeration. They told the board the estimated construction cost is about $130,000 and that previous facade work received a $5,000 grant in 2022.
The motion to approve the grant carried with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The grant is a reimbursement program: claimants must complete work, secure permits and submit receipts before receiving payment, per staff explanation.
What happens next: staff will prepare a grant agreement for execution and the applicants must obtain necessary building permits and complete the approved scope before reimbursement is issued.
