Board approves 434 East Mitchell façade project to advance to phase 2 with up to $30,000 grant

A majority of the Downtown Management Board voted to advance the façade rehabilitation proposal for 434 East Mitchell Street to the phase‑2 application and to authorize consideration of up to a $30,000 façade grant. The motion to accept the design committee recommendation was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The design committee reported it received five phase‑1 façade applications and determined four were primarily maintenance work rather than the substantial improvements the program intends to incentivize. "The design committee received, and reviewed 5 applications for the site grant," Amy reported, and recommended 434 East Mitchell — a full redevelopment that includes a major facade rehabilitation to reveal and restore historic features — move forward to phase 2.

Board members debated whether awarding the full $30,000 to a single applicant would leave other businesses without assistance. One member said the program’s purpose is to encourage projects with a strong visual impact rather than spread smaller maintenance grants across many properties. The board also discussed extending the timeline for completion; staff noted program rules now allow up to 24 months to complete work to account for contractor availability and a short construction season.

A motion was made "to accept the design committee recommendations for the 434 East Mitchell Street project to move on to the phase 2 application and authorize up to a $30,000 grant award due to the project consistency with the objectives of the facade grant program and compliance with the downtown design guidelines," and was seconded. The Chair called for the voice vote and said, "Motion carries."

Next steps: the applicant will be advised to submit the required phase‑2 architectural and cost information; if the board or staff require additional documentation, the design committee may review the phase‑2 submittal and an agreement will be prepared before any payment is made.