St. Cloud – The St. Cloud Economic Development Authority has recommended that four projects of 550,000 US dollars to be financed as part of the Main Street Economic Revitalization grant program:
- 300 ESG LLC: New roof, HLK system, sidewalks, carpet, ceiling tiles, repairs at the south entrance and windows in 300 E. Germain St. The EDA recommended 99,999 US dollars for the project, which is expected to be a retail range. The project is expected to cost 349,000 US dollars.
- 706 WSG LLC: The rehabilitation of the main system and the renovation of the Shell structure with a new roof, modern mechanical systems, ada-compliant bathing rooms, a sitting area outdoors, a glass replacement, the repair and maintenance of masonry at 706-708, the former paddy's game shop. The EDA recommended 199,000 US dollars for the project, which is expected to be an office and exhibition room. The project has a total price of 1.5 million US dollars.
- Fitzharris ski bike and outdoor: Repairs on the roof and HLK system, new floors, decommissioning, renovation work on the elevator, the renovation of the bathroom and new warehouse shelves in the 105 Seventh Ave.
- Wirth center for the performing arts: The First phase of creating a multi-use art center. The project includes interior design, ada-compliant upgrades, legal size systems for all year round programming, a dance studio, a public studio with several uses, toilets, storage areas and more under 823 First St. S. The EDA recommended $ 199,000 for the project, which is expected to cost $ 670.854.
Cathy Mehelich, the director of the city's economic development, told St. Cloud Live that the recommended projects will use more than 2.1 million dollars of private investments, renovate 22,000 square meters and create 24 new jobs.
Three applicants for the Main Street Economic Revitalization scholarships were not recommended for approval, including 1 Better LLC in 919 W. St. Germain St. and two residential projects in the city center.
The EDA board took into account the projects on priority objects, including project willing, catalyst sites, workplace acquisition, increasing occupancy of free shop fronts as well as the city's tax base and the city's workforce, according to City intern Grant Grant Grant Stitch.
The main program for the economic revitalization of Main Street was approved by the legislature of the state of Minnesota and governor Tim Walz in 2021. The grant funds of up to 30% of a project and is made by the Greater St. Cloud Development Corp. distributed.
Trent Abrego is an economic reporter for St. Cloud Live and can be reached at trent@stcloudlive.com.