TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Alexina Jeannite, Community Engagement Director
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Esq., Executive Director
DATE: November 17, 2021
Title
PROJECT CONSULTANCY & DESIGN SERVICES FUNDING APPLICATION AND LEASE AGREEMENT - LET’S TALK INNOVATION, LLC (D/B/A LET’S TALK CAFÉ) (186 NW 5TH AVENUE)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
1. Approval of a Project Consultancy & Design Services Funding Agreement (Level 2 Design Services); and
2. Approval of a Lease Agreement with Let’s Talk Innovation, LLC (doing business as Let’s Talk Café) for the proposed improvement project located at 186 NW 5th Avenue, in substantially the attached form.
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Background:
In February 2021, the CRA issued a Call for Proposals to Lease Commercial Space, with the intent to lease The Muse and Harvel cottages to qualified entities that would enhance business and pedestrian activity in the area, with permitted commercial uses ranging from retail shops, workspaces, to restaurants and cafes. Nicole’s House was one of several respondents to the Call For Proposals and was one of four finalists invited to present their business ideas at the June 6, 2021 CRA board meeting. The CRA board voted and selected two businesses to occupy the cottages for the growth and development of their businesses ¾ Let’s Talk Café was one of them.
Formed by husband-and-wife business partners, Chris and Serena Redding (“Owners”), Let's Talk Café is a new business concept that seeks to provide local businesses with a creative environment where their ideas can be cultivated and brought to life. Let’s talk Café will be a home for the content creators and entrepreneurs that shape the thriving small business community in the West Settlers Historic District. Mixing business with pleasure, the Café will provide both business services (consultations in marketing, branding, and social media strategy) and retail services (coffee and juice bar, organic bites, and wine service in the...
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