Kissimmee commissioners authorize grant to restore downtown historic building into Brazilian restaurant
The Downtown Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency has approved a $76,000 Pioneer Project Incentive Program (PPIP) grant for the redevelopment of 30 Broadway, a historic downtown building, as a developer has plans to turn it into a Brazilian restaurant.
According to city documents, the $760,000 redevelopment project would turn to the building, which once housed a bank and Goolds Western Wear, recently was Hatfield’s sports bar and grille and of late called a public adjustor firm home, would convert the building into a 3,020-square-foot restaurant operated by Souza & Martins Savory Bites, doing business as Nosso Quintal Brazilian Bar & Grill.
The $76,000 PIPP grant from the program (kissimmee.gov/ PPIP) represents 10% of the eligible tangible construction cost, which will be paid as a single reimbursement after the project receives a Certificate of Occupancy and the developer submits verified proof of payment.
Property and business owners with projects in the Downtown Kissimmee CRA boundary may apply for PPIP funding. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on capital investment, job creation, and alignment with the CRA Master Redevelopment Plan, the city said.
As part of the project the developer will modernize outdated building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety infrastructure, while preserving the building’s historic concrete bank vault, the city said. The new restaurant is slated to create 25-40 new jobs.
City approves contract for emergency backup generators
The Kissimmee City Commission has approved a contract to install new backup generators at the Kissimmee Police Department and the City’s 9-1-1 Communications Center, which dispatches police, fire, and EMS calls for the City. The project is funded entirely through a Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation grant, so the upgrade comes at no cost to City taxpayers.
The 750 kW generator will power the Police Department and a 175 kW generator at the 911 Communications Center.
“This project means our 911, police, fire, and EMS operations can keep running if the power goes out, no matter the cause,” said City Manager Mike Steigerwald. “Because it’s fully funded by a FEMA grant, we’re able to make this upgrade without any cost to our taxpayers.”
Summer fun continues at Makinson Aquatic Center
Light up the night at Glow & Splash at Bob Makinson Aquatic Center on Saturday, July 18, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. for an evening of nighttime swimming, and glowing fun for all ages. Glow items will be available while supplies last. Admission $4 per person.
Dive into Pool Pals Story Time on Saturday, July 25, from 9-10 a.m. for “Monty the Manatee” by Natalie Pritchard, and water play for ages up to 8 years. Register online at kissimmee.gov/webtrac and search activity #501110302.
Ready, set, quack! Join the city for Duck Races at the aquatic center on Friday, Aug. 1 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Pick your lucky rubber duck and race it down the water slide to see if it makes a splash to the finish line first. It’s a fun-filled evening for the whole family. Admission is just $4 per person.
And if learning to swim makes you nervous around the pool, make a splash with 30-minute swim lessons at the Aquatic Center. In-person registration begins Aug. 1 from 8-10 a.m. for August–September sessions. Group lessons are $60 and private lessons are $125.
Call 407-870-7665 for details on all Aquatic Center programs.
