By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The city of Warsaw is working to attract what’s being described as a food-related business to be part of the Millworks apartment project, where the Owen’s grocery store once stood.
The city previously agreed to provide $1 million to the developer, AP Development, to cover the cost of surrounding street improvements, and on Monday, the city agreed tentatively to provide an additional $340,000 for improvements on the southeast corner of the apartment building (across from PNC Bank) where the business would be located.
The retail operation would span 2,500 square feet and would feature a rooftop balcony.
Jeremy Skinner, director of community and economic development for the city, discussed the plan Tuesday after presenting it to the City Redevelopment Commission.
“In conversations with the developer and the potential tenant, there was a gap that needed to be filled in order to get them to occupy the space. That gap had to do with finishing out the interior of the space,” Skinner said.
He said the work would involve installation of heating and cooling, flooring and plumbing, all of which would remain intact if the tenant should eventually choose to leave.
The Redevelopment Commission is still working out final details on the agreement, and Skinner declined to identify the business, saying it’s food-related, but avoided using the term “restaurant.”
He said the company they’re negotiating with is not part of a chain.
The 85-unit housing and retail project near West Market and South Columbia Street is expected to be ready for occupancy late this year.
