City retail enhancement program to kick-off before end of year

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Ashley Gurbal Kritzer

Downtown storefronts, like this one owned by developer Mike Langton, could benefit from the beautification program approved by the Downtown Investment Authority.

Andrew Thurlow

Reporter- Jacksonville Business Journal

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A workshop for the Downtown Retail Enhancement Program recently approved by the City Council will be held in the coming weeks to discuss the application process and other terms of the program, DIA CEO Aundra Wallace said.

An official agenda for the workshop is still being determined, Wallace said, but a tentative schedule has been set for either Nov. 21 or Nov. 24 at the Ed Ball building.

The program, which is designed to help recruit more retailers to vacant storefronts in the Northbank Core Business District, was approved by the council on Oct. 21. It includes $750,000 in grants to property or business owners to help with the costs of renovating or preparing commercial space. Renovation projects must exceed $10,000 before the DIA will consider it for funding. ( An application and full list of requirements can be found here.)

Funds may be used to retain existing businesses or to recruit new businesses to the Northbank Core Business District, where the city intends to add more street level retail.

Mike Langton, an active developer Downtown, said the readiness of the program is crucial to his development plans of a restaurant and bar on the ground floor of the Old Republic Title Building at 120 E. Forsyth St.

"I'm working with three different potential tenants that are dependent on support from the city program," Langton said. "The city's participation as a partner is vital to making their numbers work."

If all goes to plan, the city will be accepting applications by the first week of December, Wallace said.

The grant offers a maximum grant award of $20 for every square foot leased or occupied by the proposed tenant or business. The amount of incentive dollars awarded cannot exceed 50 percent of the total improvement costs, Wallace said.

Grant funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Andrew covers real estate, retail and sports