$127 thousand approved for downtown building improvements

  • The YEDC and Yoakum City Council voted in favor of an application requesting grant funding for building improvements to 123 W. May St.
    The YEDC and Yoakum City Council voted in favor of an application requesting grant funding for building improvements to 123 W. May St.

    Yoakum City Council approved about $127 thousand in grant funding for building improvements to a downtown location looking to house a new restaurant. 

     

    During their Sept. 26 meeting, the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC) unanimously recommended Murphy Holding Group’s application for the 50% matching Downtown Business District Revitalization Grant for 123 W. May St. 

     

    Because the requested allocation exceeded $10 thousand and did not directly create essential non-retail jobs, the application was sent to the Yoakum City Council for final approval on two readings at a special meeting that evening.

     

    YEDC Directors’ recommendation to Council came after the total allocation requested decreased by about $17 thousand from Murphy Holding Group’s initial presentation in August. The updated amount decreased expenditures and focused improvements on the building’s bottom floor. 

     

    While the project manager hopes to bring two loft apartments to the building’s second story, City Manager Kevin Coleman said the expenditures listed in the application pertained to the bottom floor and the overall integrity of the building.

     

    “How it sits now, the restaurant is on one side, and dining is on the other. It would take up that whole bottom floor...” said Higgins to the council. “Downstairs is the priority, so we’re hoping to have a tenant in there by the first of the year. I have contractors waiting on a call this evening to say they’re ready to roll. So, as soon as we get the thumbs up, we’re ready to move on.”

     

    Council approved two consecutive motions from Councilmember Tanya Wenzel to approve up to $127,074 for the project through the YEDC Downtown Business District Revitalization Grant with sales tax funds.