The city of Bloomington has awarded grants to more than three dozen small businesses for various rehabilitation projects.
The money comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city got $13.4 million from the COVID relief bill.
Most of the 38 business locations that received funding are downtown.
The Monroe Centre building received $22,100 to install automatic doors on the north and east entrances of the building.
“There were challenges that were posed to our guests who had mobility issues,” said Denise Geske, co-owner of Fox & Hounds, a hair studio and spa upstairs. “Because we couldn’t man (the main building entrance) 24-7, this seemed like a really great option.”
Geske said the ARPA funding covered a portion of the cost.
The city has looked to improve its ADA compliance, especially downtown, where many areas lack sufficient disability access.
Specs Around Town secured $45,000, the maximum total the city made available, to replace all of the building’s windows, several of which became damaged when excess water got into the building during storms last year, according to store owner Julie Kubsch.
“It’s exciting to benefit from the grant money for Specs Around Town,” she said, adding the building also got a fresh paint job.
The Herb Eaton Studio & Gallery received $42,1000 to do building renovations, including replace a torn awning, make roof repairs, and shore up the exterior wall, according to co-owner Pamala Eaton.
"We were very grateful to receive this grant and thankful for the help from the city." she said.
Paul’s Upholstery was awarded $19,200 to replace air conditioner and heater vents, lower the ceiling, update electrical writing and add new lighting, according to owner Paul Vanhook.
Vanhook said the improvements had to be done, but had been delayed until the funding came through.
“Just being a very small shop, it was either finances were tight or time was tight,” he said. “The grant made it possible to do it all at once.”
The city also granted close to $900,000 to homeowners to rehab their homes. Recipients got up to $45,000 each.
The city previously awarded $1 million from ARPA to nonprofits, including Project Oz and YWCA McLean County, which both received $250,000. Home Sweet Home Ministries, McLean County Center for Human Services and the Salvation Army of McLean County each was awarded $150,000 and Mid Central Community Action was granted $71,000.
The city also allotted $750,000 for downtown streetscape designs.
