Board approves $212,000 reimbursement grant for Griffin Building to attract candy-and-ice-cream tenant

The Parks and Downtown Improvement Corporation voted to commit a $212,000 reimbursement grant to Pina Holdings to help renovate the Griffin Building downtown. Luis, the developer, told the board a national candy-and-ice-cream operator has provided a 10-year corporate letter of intent and the project’s construction costs are estimated at about $420,000.

"We have a letter of intent right now, and, right now we're looking for matching funds," Luis said during the presentation, explaining the developer’s request for city participation to secure the tenant. The board discussed timing and coordination with nearby projects to capture economies of scale, then approved a motion to fund the reimbursement as a grant payable upon receipt of agreed milestones and a development agreement.

The board recorded the motion and approved it by voice vote. Staff and the developer will finalize a development agreement to document conditions and reimbursement steps. Board members said they view the tenant as likely to increase downtown foot traffic and help activate adjacent blocks.