Project will be part of downtown beautification
By Teresa Sargeant
Reporter
The city of Apopka awarded a $5,900 grant to Domino’s Pizza for the renovation of the building’s exterior, which supporters hope will further boost the downtown district’s visual appeal and economic feasibility.
Main Street Apopka has supported the facilitation of the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Façade Renovation Grant for the Domino’s Pizza building at 2 E. Main St., located on the corner of Central Avenue and U.S. Highway 441. The building was originally constructed as a gas station.
Casselberry-based Oscar Painter Home Improvement will renovate the Domino’s Pizza exterior.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the city of Apopka and Main Street Apopka in securing this grant,” Domino’s Pizza franchisee Nelson Diaz said in a statement. “The application process was simple and seamless thanks to the guidance provided by Main Street Apopka. Having an attractive and welcoming storefront is crucial in drawing customers and contributing to the vibrancy of our downtown area. We’re excited to be part of this revitalization effort.”
The project is part of Main Street Apopka’s goal of restoring Apopka’s downtown district through programs like façade upgrades, business support services and community events.
“It has been an honor to support Mr. Diaz through the application process for his project,” Caitlin Kasheta, Main Street Apopka executive director, said in a press release. “To see a renovation of this building come to fruition utilizing the CRA grant funding is encouraging because this is exactly what CRA dollars are supposed to do. Downtown Apopka’s business owners are generating incredible momentum in the revitalization effort, and we are thrilled Domino’s has joined the party.”
The Apopka CRA focuses on improving the city’s downtown area, which includes historical landmarks, homes and commerce, using funds by the tax increment fund revenue from city and Orange County governments. The CRA grant program seeks to help property owners upgrade their buildings’ outside appearance.
Collectively, the total façade renovations will cost $9,100, yet some of the scope of the work didn’t meet CRA criteria to receive grant funding. Therefore, Domino’s will chip in $3,200 for the renovation project, Kasheta said in an email to The Apopka Chief.
The CRA approved the grant application on Monday, April 14. Interim CRA supervisor Bobby Howell manages the CRA grant funds, which already has money put into it. Since the CRA already pre-approved the program and the funds, no separate authorization is needed for Domino’s grant application.
The contractor is ready to begin the project, and all that is needed now is to get documents notarized, Kasheta said.
“What I’m anticipating, and what the business owner is anticipating, is this happening in the next couple of weeks or so,” she said via email.
Visit MainStreetApopka.com for further details about Main Street Apopka and its programs.
The Apopka Chief is an award-winning weekly newspaper serving the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923.
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