Board approves facade grant for Studio 714 awning at 714 Lincoln Way

Board members approved a façade grant application for Studio 714 at 714 Lincoln Way to support installation of a new awning. The applicant requested $1,974.50 toward a $3,949 total project cost; board members confirmed three quotes were provided and approved the grant by voice vote.

Meeting materials included three quotes: BH Awning of Benton Harbor for $3,230, Custom Awning of South Bend for $5,783, and Merrillville Awning for $3,949. The applicant preferred Merrillville Awning because that firm will remove the old frame and install a new frame; the Merrillville quote matched the total project amount listed in the application. “They’re asking for $1,974.50. A total project amount is $3,949,” an unnamed staff member said when presenting the application.

Board members noted the limited local availability of awning contractors and welcomed the broader set of quotes the applicant obtained. A board member who seconded the motion praised the applicant’s investment in the downtown building interior and exterior improvements. The motion to approve the grant carried by voice vote; the board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes.