CRA OKs $98,283.50 matching grant for The Lou Collective to convert storefront at 114 Live Oak Street

The Community Redevelopment Agency voted to award a $98,283.50 large-scale commercial façade/property improvement matching grant to Victoria Marsh of The Lou Collective LLC for work at 114 Live Oak Street. Staff said the requested reimbursement equals half of eligible costs, the project estimate is $196,567, and the applicant provided three contractor quotes and required documentation.

Director Sam Bergeron told the board the grant-eligible work would include design assistance, demolition of a shed, exterior wall repairs and structural enhancements, painting and decorative façade improvements, a patio or deck connected to the building, updated exterior doors and windows, parking-lot repaving and striping, ADA improvements, exterior lighting and public utilities. "She wants to turn it into a restaurant," Bergeron said during the presentation; he added that infrastructure needs for a restaurant (including a grease trap) informed the scope.

Board members asked whether the upstairs is currently residential; staff said it is currently a residence but the CRA grant does not cover residential work except in limited historic-preservation circumstances. When asked about the type of restaurant, Bergeron said the applicant described "kind of a bistro kinda coffee shop kinda thing." Staff also summarized fiscal capacity: the FY2024–25 budget had approximately $600,000 for large-scale façade grants and, after prior approvals, roughly $240,900 remained before this award.

A motion to approve the $98,283.50 award was moved and seconded and the city clerk called the roll; the motion carried. The board encouraged the applicant to coordinate with staff on ADA and infrastructure requirements before starting work.