CRA approves $19,382 facade reimbursement for 147 East Orange Avenue

The Community Redevelopment Agency board approved a reimbursement grant for restoration work at 147 East Orange Avenue, agreeing to cover $19,382 of the $38,754 exterior repair and improvement cost. Staff showed before-and-after photos and described the work as structural restucco, painting and transom window replacement that restored the building’s 1949 Art Deco features.

“...the total cost for the exterior only was $38,754 ... so the grant that you all would be recommending and, and approving is $19,382,” said the staff member presenting the application. Staff added that the improvements created five leasable spaces and had already attracted tenant interest despite ongoing streetscape work. Board discussion focused on program limits and prior grant comparisons; staff said the project did not reach the $50,000 program maximum and saved CRA funds for other projects.

The board moved and approved the reimbursement by roll call. After the vote a commissioner asked staff to compare this grant to prior awards; staff said this project was smaller than large restorations such as a referenced $3 million project on East Park Avenue.