The Downtown CIP provides financial incentives to encourage new residential development, retail investment, facade improvements, and building/property improvements.

Craftheads Brewing Company has applied for the Commercial/Mixed Use Building Facade Improvement Grant Program for the commercial building at 324-328 Pelissier Street, which is located on the east side of Pelissier Street south of University Avenue (as shown on Appendix A), down the street from their current tap room at the corner of University Avenue and Pelissier Street. The new location will be used for brewing and tours, and the tap room will remain open. The commercial units are currently vacant.

Discussion:

Commercial/Mixed Use Facade Improvement Grant Program

The Commercial/Mixed Use Facade Improvement Grant Program is intended to encourage the redesign, renovation or restoration of commercial and mixed-use building facades in Downtown Windsor. The facade improvement grant program guidelines contained within the Downtown CIP encourages the restoration of facades to their original state using authentic or original materials. Products used in the restoration of a facade should contain materials that match the texture, colour, size, shape and detail of the original material where possible.

The grant program allows for a 50% matching grant up to a maximum of $20,000, and an additional $10,000 per property where facade improvements are also undertaken on a side and/or rear facade that is highly visible from an adjacent street or public right-ofway or park; or is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act or the Municipal Heritage Register.

The subject property is applicable for a maximum grant of $20,000 under the Commercial/Mixed Use Building Facade Improvement Grant Program.

Proposed Facade Improvements

Masonry Work – the applicant originally proposed to remove existing stucco from the building and replace with black brick to match their current theme at their tap room at the corner of University Avenue and Pelissier Street. However, when they removed the stucco they found red brick in good condition (as shown on Appendix B). The applicant changed their plans and now propose to keep the red brick (as shown in Appendix C).

Storefront Renovation – The applicant proposes new windows with large amounts of glazing.

Risk Analysis:

There is low risk associated with approval of the subject CIP application. Staff will inspect the work after completion to ensure it meets the Downtown Windsor Enhancement Strategy and Community Improvement Plan and that the work was carried out in accordance with the agreement before the funds are paid to the applicant.