Louisville commission to consider $461,776 in Empire Public House requests
The requests would help pay for a $720,000 restaurant renovation; staff marked some quoted work eligible, conditional or ineligible.
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Empire Public House is seeking $461,776 in Louisville revitalization funding for a $720,000 renovation of its restaurant at 816 Main St. The Property Improvement Program application requests $308,776, and the façade application requests $153,000. The restaurant would remain a restaurant after the work.
The Louisville Revitalization Commission is scheduled to consider both requests Nov. 18; its agenda lists the applications for consideration.
The Property Improvement Program generally reimburses 50% of eligible costs, with standard caps of $125,000 for new or expanding businesses and $50,000 for existing businesses modifying their space. Commissioners may consider higher amounts case by case. Façade requests above $100,000 also go to case-by-case review. Those processes allow exceptions but do not guarantee funding.
A staff review of remodel quotes marked five items eligible, including floor refinishing, drywall finishing, front accordion doors, stone veneer and an upstairs door replacement. The review attached conditions to some work, including that it be part of a larger project rather than deferred maintenance, and sought more detail on certain items. Staff marked some painting, signage and electrical work conditional, and kitchen equipment, the draft system, furnishings and audio/IT items ineligible. These comments are not a final funding determination. The façade application also calls for historic-preservation approval for relevant work.