ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – Two local businesses have received grants to enable them to build new space in downtown Albuquerque. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency of the City of Albuquerque announced that Electric Playhouse and Blue Door Patisserie are planning to use their Storefront Activation Grants to help them with street-level expansions in the city center this year.
A city news release said the two companies were the first to qualify for funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act to support the recovery and economic recovery in Albuquerque. Grant applications will continue to be accepted. More information is available at cabq.gov/storefrontgrants.
Electric Playhouse offers immersive entertainment and dining experiences and plans to use the funding to build an administrative headquarters. The city reports that the company plans to acquire 3,880 square feet of the Occidental Life Building on Third Street and Gold Ave. renovate with interactive works of art and modernize the indoor offices.
Blue Door Patisserie is currently in the sawmill market serving French cuisine and will use their promotion to open another location at 900 Park Ave. Set up SW. According to the press release, the funds will be used to renovate the interior of the space and provide living wages and benefits to employees.
Grants of up to $ 35,000 are given to companies on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is used up. MRA reports that it has $ 500,000 in ARPA funding to support small businesses occupying vacant street-level lots or expanding their current downtown footprint by at least 50%.
An additional $ 5,000 grant may be made available for applicants who demonstrate their business attracts visitors downtown at least five days a week between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. According to the press release, downtown will be considered the region between Lomas, Coal and Broadway Avenues and 11th St.
To qualify, companies must employ fewer than 250 people, be in the city center, have signed a lease or lease amendment for an eligible storefront in the city center for a period of at least two years after October 1, 2021, and meet further qualifications .
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