The Detroit Economic Growth
Association (DEGA) approved up to $89,000 in
grants to a new restaurant and an artist’s studio under its Jefferson Avenue Retail Readiness Program. The grants are expected to leverage $200,000 in new investment along East Jefferson.
One grant will go to Harbortown
Investments, LLC for RJ's Roost, which will open in May at 3496 East Jefferson Ave. The restaurant will serve broasted chicken, ribs and seafood in an informal
setting. Grant funds will defray half of the cost of installing an
exterior awning and signage and resurfacing the parking lot.
The second grant will pay for half the cost of interior and exterior repairs at 6923-25 East Jefferson. The property owner, Griffis
Properties, LLC, plans to use part of the first floor for gallery space for artist Allie McGhee, whose studio is also in the building. Griffis is seeking a tenant for the second half of the space.
"We are really excited to see that, even in this tough economic time, there is continued interest for new retail business along E. Jefferson," says Olga
Stella, vice president, business development of Detroit Economic Growth
Corporation. "We are glad that we are able to offer a program like this to help businesses interested in Detroit."
The bistro that was the first recipient of a J
efferson Avenue Retail Readiness Program is currently under construction. Read more about that restaurant, headed for the ground floor of the Kean Apartments, here.Source: Olga Stella, DEGC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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