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CRA approves up to $250,000 matching grant for Blue Orange's Ace Hardware project at 540 N. Dixie Freeway
Summary
The CRA approved a 50/50 adaptive-reuse matching grant (not to exceed $250,000) to Blue Orange Holdings LLC to support exterior improvements estimated at $678,244 for a project to redevelop 540 N. Dixie Freeway into an Ace Hardware; applicant agreed to work with the city on a Florida-style facade and said average non-management wages will be about $15/hour.
The New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on Sept. 24 approved a 50/50 adaptive-reuse matching grant not to exceed $250,000 to Blue Orange Holdings LLC for exterior improvements to a property at 540 North Dixie Freeway slated for redevelopment as an Ace Hardware.
Economic Development Director Samantha Bergeron told the agency that the adaptive reuse program is designed to encourage innovative changes of use along the US 1 corridor. She said Blue Orange purchased the property in April 2024 and submitted required materials; the total project cost is estimated "a little over $1,000,000," with about $678,244 estimated for exterior improvements alone, which meets the program's minimum expense threshold of $500,000.
An applicant representative for Blue Orange (in the meeting record but not by personal name) said the company is "definitely open to working with the city on a facade that kind of meets the intent of New Smyrna" and offered options ranging from a mural to a beachier facade with wood slats. During questions, a member asked about staffing; the applicant said there will be about 15 staff on site and that the average wage outside management will be around $15 per hour. A speaker who identified himself as Wes McMillan also addressed facade preferences and was acknowledged in the discussion.
A commissioner praised the reuse of the site and said local businesses and residents will welcome services that reduce trips to Home Depot. After brief discussion, the board moved and seconded approval of the adaptive-reuse opportunity grant. The clerk called the roll and Member Hartman, Member Martin, Member McGurk and Chair Cleland each voted yes.
Bergeron said the applicant has been working with the city's building and planning departments on site plans, construction drawings and permitting approvals; the grant approval appears intended to support exterior stabilization, aesthetic upgrades, ADA improvements and site work ahead of permitting and redevelopment. The city manager noted a separate agenda item involving the Black Heritage Museum had been removed for further review.
The grant was approved by roll-call vote; the project will continue through city permitting and design review with the applicant and planning staff.
