Learning Minds Montessori, Inc. (Learning Minds) has applied for assistance through the City of Orlando Small Business Façade, Site Improvement and Adaptive Reuse Program for site work to relocate a parking space to accommodate an onsite playground and mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements related to change of use for relocation of its business to 1300 Edgewater Drive. The business is opening in the College Park Main Street District boundary.
The FSARP is an interest free deferred loan for façade, site, life safety and mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements, related to changes of use, available to new and existing commercial property and business owners in the City of Orlando. The program, which was approved by the City Council on November 13, 2006, provides assistance with costs related to exterior physical and site improvements as well as life safety and mechanical, electrical and/or plumbing improvements related to changes of use.
The FSARP offers matching loan funds to off-set the costs of design and façade/ site improvement expenses such as painting, wall repair or cleaning; window repair or replacement; awnings; new or replacement signage; lighting; door repair or replacement; parking lot upgrades; fencing; and life safety and mechanical, electrical and/or plumbing improvements, related to changes of use, such as fire walls, sprinklers and alarms.
Under the program, the City will loan 50% to 80% of the total project cost. Total loan assistance from the City shall not exceed $20,000 for façade and site improvements, $40,000 for mechanical, electrical or plumbing improvements only for changes of use or $50,000 for a combination of façade, site and life safety/and or MEP improvements related to changes of use.
Total eligible project costs for Learning Minds Montessori, Inc. under the FSARP are $62,512.
The Small Business Façade Review Committee recommended approval of funding in the amount of $50,000. The Small Business Façade Review Committee Meeting was held October 27, 2021.