Crystal Finds Way To Revive Aging Storefronts

A grant program is helping Crystal reinvest in its local businesses from the outside. The Storefront Improvement Program provides forgivable and deferred loans to businesses looking to give a facelift to their facades.

“One of the challenges Crystal has is just that we are an older city,” explained John Sutter, the city’s community development director. “Over time, you need to continue to revitalize and reinvest in properties.”

Sutter said the improvement program is addressing that need head-on.

When the program started in 2022, Hennepin County awarded the city $30,000, while Crystal’s Economic Development Authority contributed $10,000 for a total of $40,000 in improvement grants. The funding had to go toward businesses in specific county-approved business districts: a zone on Bass Lake Road, one on 42nd Avenue North and another on Douglas Drive North.

The deferred loan gets reduced by 10 percent each year as long as the businesses stay put. After 10 years pass, the loan is no longer owed. If the property is sold before 10 years, the loan money must be paid by the seller. Sutter said that it serves as an incentive for businesses to stay in Crystal.

Businesses that were approved for the deferred loans received up to $12,500 to go toward their storefronts.

“It has to be on the side of the building that faces a public street, and it has to be certain kinds of improvements that have an impact on the visual improvement on the building,” Sutter said.

A Refresh at Work

The program has already helped three local businesses: The new Wine Thief and Ale Jail on Douglas Drive North, and B&K Auto and Elision Playhouse on 42nd Avenue North.

“The benefit is making the city look better. We hope it also drives business to these locations,” Sutter said.

Elision Playhouse, holds its own theater company and also hosts other performers. The loan program paid for part of the theater’s exterior model: a beautiful decorative mural.

Elision Operation Manager Laina Grendle said it has been a good conversation starter.

“It was really being able to put ourselves out there in the community as a beacon for artistic collaboration,” Grendle said.

Elision used the project funds to refresh its facade with a mural.

Grendle said the art outside helped draw the community in. Artist Lily Lennox painted it in 2022. It’s decorated with multi-colored natural scenes, including a bee, flower and owl.

“It brings the light and the freedom and the brightness that we need for people to be able to create and collaborate,” Grendle said.

Sutter is hopeful that more businesses will take advantage of the funds. The county granted $25,000 more for 2024 and 2025, while the city budgeted $40,000 to extend to storefronts outside the approved districts.

Grendle said its exciting to see storefronts refreshed throughout the city.

“I think I will give a second look to anybody who puts the effort in to show a bit more pride, and sparkle and fun,” Grendle said.

Business owners can learn more about the program and apply on Crystal’s website.

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