Clarendon EDC presents its 13th storefront grant

The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board awarded its 13th cash award under its Façade Grant Program this week to Marilyn and Peter Odima.

The most recent award from the CEDC was for more than $5,000 worth of improvements the Odimas made to the building at 312 S. Kearney, which formerly housed Morrow’s Tax Office. Under the terms of the grant, the work qualified for $2,000 from the CEDC.

Mrs. Odima said she and her husband plan to open a 24-hour fitness center called Sky Fitness in early 2013 that will cater to customers over the age of 30. The interior of the early 20th century building has also been completely remodeled, and the original pressed tin ceiling has been restored to its former beauty. The business will feature a variety of fitness machines, and access will be controlled through a thumbprint scanning device.

“We thought it would be neat for Clarendon to have a fitness center; it is something that we don’t have here,” Mrs. Odima said.

Exterior work was primarily focused on replacing a deteriorated masonry front with new Hardie Board and the installation of new storefront windows. New signage and some painting are still in the works for the façade, Mrs. Odima said.

Mrs. Odima said the CEDC money will help the couple a great deal with the expenses of starting the new business, and she credited neighbor Shirley Osburn of Osburn Appliance for encouraging them to apply for the grant.

The Odimas’ façade grant was the final funds awarded by the CEDC under the 2012 fiscal year, and the CEDC board has not renewed the program for 2013, choosing to focus its resources on the Mulkey Theatre rehabilitation at this time.

Since the Façade Grant Program began in 2008, the CEDC has awarded $14,949.80 to property owners on a three-block stretch of Kearney Street.