EDA approves multiple grants for Thompson businesses

The Worthington Economic Development Authority on Monday approved a total of eight façade improvement matching grant applications for the Thompson property in downtown Worthington.

All applications were submitted by Johnson Builders and Realty on behalf of Clark-Vinroot Properties. Johnson Builders and Realty is the contractor and sole bidder listed on all applications, and they have previously completed the apartment renovations and tenant space renovations. The owners wish to continue to utilize JBR for its knowledge of the building.

The first approved application was for work completed on the storefront of El Rinconcito in 2021, and the next encompassed work finished at El Mexicano #3 that same year. Also approved was work completed in 2022 and 2023 at the storefront at The Thompson Mexican Grill.

Additionally, work planned for the storefront of The Station, located in the basement level of the Thompson, as well as at the storefront of the barber shop, clothing boutique, hair salon and insurance office was also approved.

The Thompson is currently zoned ‘B-2’ Central Business District and was eligible for a 1:1 match up to $10,000 per storefront. Based on the submitted applications, each storefront met the threshold for the maximum grant award.

The Worthington City Council met in regular session following the EDA meeting. Early on, the council approved two separate resolutions to order improvements and preparation of plans for Church Avenue pavement reconstruction and Second Avenue street reconstruction. The action took place following public hearings during which there was no public testimony.

Also Monday, council members voted to authorize the use of $88,750 in local option sales tax funds to help the Lake Okabena Improvement Association complete a project at Sunset Park Boat Ramp. Dry conditions the past two summers made using and maintaining the ramp almost impossible, and the city was forced to close the ramp for most of this past fall. The group has committed $10,000 toward the project and has agreed to oversee its completion. Work could begin as early as later this week.

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