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Longmont, CO: The Longmont Economic Development Partnership (EDP), City of Longmont, and Longmont Downtown Development Authority partnered to award Longtucky Spirits a combined $22,500 in Retail Conversion Grants as part of a Downtown Longmont grant program to assist new retail businesses converting formerly non-retail spaces in Downtown Longmont.
Longtucky Spirits, a new Downtown Longmont craft distillery, was co-founded by John Young and H.K. Wallace. Since opening their doors on June 23rd, Longtucky Spirits has released three spirits with plans to release two more in coming months. In their new location in the former Times-Call building at 350 Terry Street, craft cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy their spirits in the Longtucky Lounge. The Longtucky Lounge has 70 seats, each one hand-built by the founders and upcycled from the staves of whiskey barrels. In total, the distillery and lounge occupy 4,500 square feet of space in the building.
“This grant means a great deal to us,” stated John Young, Longtucky Spirits’ co-founder, general manager, and director of business development. Young continued “The grant allows us to reach more of the community we are trying to grow with. It also allows us to update our facade with signage and awnings which will further beautify downtown Longmont.”
For its part, the Longmont EDP awarded Longtucky Spirits a $7,500 Retail Conversion Grant funded by the City of Longmont. “Part of our mission as an economic development organization is to support Longmont’s local retail sales tax generating businesses, particularly in the creative arts and culinary sector. We are delighted to have Longtucky Spirits here in Longmont serving as another great destination in our community,” said Jessica Erickson, President of the Longmont Economic Development Partnership.
The Downtown Development Authority also awarded Longtucky Spirits a Retail Conversion Grant of $15,000. “Longtucky adds a new product into the Downtown Longmont Creative District. They exemplify the new entrepreneur that is investing in our community, bringing craft beverages, music, education, and
community spirit to the heart of Downtown,” said Kimberlee McKee, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, an Advance Longmont Partner.
The City of Longmont and Longmont Economic Development Partnership Retail Conversion Grant program is a reimbursement grant program targeted at for-profit, retail storefront businesses in the Downtown Development Authority District. The grant program provides a grant of up to 25% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $7,500, for qualifying improvements. Additional matching funds may be provided by the Downtown Development Authority, subject to DDA approval prior to project commencement. To be eligible for the grant, the business must generate more than 50% of their revenue from sales taxable transactions, be located in a storefront on the ground floor of a building in the Downtown Development Authority District with an outside entrance accessible to the public, have prepared an acceptable business plan, and be licensed in the City of Longmont and in compliance with all City codes and regulations.
More information about the Longmont Economic Development Partnership Retail Conversion Grant and the application can be found on the Longmont Economic Development Partnership website at www.longmont.org.
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About The Longmont Economic Development Partnership: The Longmont Economic Development Partnership is a public/private 501c(6) non-profit economic development organization serving the greater Longmont area. As Longmont’s primary agent for economic development, the Partnership leads a comprehensive and collaborative economic development strategy to promote and strengthen the Longmont community’s economic health. The Longmont Economic Development Partnership offers a variety of services and resources to support the relocation, retention, and expansion of business in Longmont and serves as the gateway to Longmont for all businesses.
About the City of Longmont: Longmont, Colorado located within Boulder County, is a 22-square mile city with more than 300 days of sunshine and a spectacular vista of the Rocky Mountains. With a population of 90,000, Longmont sits at an elevation of 4,979 feet above sea level. With more than 1,500 acres of park and open space, a robust craft beer scene, thriving art culture, fresh dining opportunities, and a Main Street teaming with new energy, Longmont is perfect for everyone from young families to those young at heart. Longmont is also home to high-tech companies and a nationally recognized school district. Longmont is conveniently located 37 miles from Denver, 16 miles from Boulder and 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park.
About the Longmont Downtown Development Authority: The LDDA encompasses 242 acres spanning 1st Avenue to Longs Peak, and Martin Street to Terry Street. The mission of the Longmont Downtown Development authority is to develop, support, and promote a vital and valuable Downtown Longmont.
Through strategic development and programs, the LDDA makes downtown appealing to businesses, residents, and visitors. The LDDA also manages the parking fund and a General Improvement District at the direction of the City of Longmont.
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This is a press release issued by the LEDP to the Longmont Observer and is published as a public service.
