FNA Office/Community Business Space
The Folwell Neighborhood Association has the opportunity to rent a commercial space, located on the 1st floor at 3701 Fremont Ave N. Occupancy would begin March 1, 2020, the rent of $1800/mo would cover the entire first floor, newly remodeled in an open concept, multi-use floor plan as well as an attached heated garage. The goal of this project is for the FNA to have minimal organizational space by sub-leasing the majority of the first floor for a community based business.
This post is to provide the information the Board of Directors and staff currently have in order to establish trust and transparency with the community in making this decision. Below are the answers we have collected from a variety of questions asked of the building owner and city reps.
We encourage all residents to participate in the survey below to help the Board of Directors make a fully informed decision. Be sure to include your questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions.
As of Thursday evening Dec. 12, there were three responses to the survey. The questions and answers have been included in the link below with names being removed for privacy.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON OFFICE AND COMMUNITY SPACE
Two major themes that are showing up is how much the community wants a cafe/eatery/food business and that FNA doesn't need office space, especially when any FNA funds can go toward better purposes. To make sure intentions are clear, the FNA agrees that they do not need this much office space, and $1860 per month is too much for the organization to commit to without assistance. Without the FNA in this process however, the building will be fully converted to residential loosing an ideal multi use commercial space in the community. The FNA can act as a conduit to provide a space for a community business to thrive while they share the risk. The goal is for FNA to partner with a business to increase small businesses in Folwell. The letter of intent provides FNA the time to build a sub-lease partner.
The FNA is excited at the chance to explore this unique opportunity and how the organization can make this space be valuable as a community center, business incubator, and/or a co-working space with shared occupancy. A small team of board members and staff are researching opportunities and gathering information to present at the upcoming Neighborhood Night on Monday Dec. 16th at 6pm. (Dinner is served at 5:30pm so come early to enjoy a meal.)
Here are some of the answers to questions we have already been hearing:
The FNA is looking at a 1-3 year lease, not 5 year.
The Building is zoned as C1.
Owner will pick up Water, sewer, and gas as part of rent. FNA will be responsible for electric.
How old is the electrical? It is 240 on the commercial side, three pronged outlets will be everywhere and should accommodate basic fridge and stove if brought in.
The furnace was old so it will be replaced with a mini split - it will do heat radiation and air conditioning.
Would the owner consider doing a community buy with us? It is too late for that option at this point, but the owner might will give FNA a first right of refusal when selling.
The FNA will need an architect to work with on the project.
When exterior damages incur (broken windows, etc) the current proposal on the table is to share damage expenses between FNA and the owner. The owner will be installing a security system on the outside of the building.
We hope you are able to join us on Monday, but if not, we hope you will send your thoughts to info@folwell.org so that all the comments and concerns can be considered.
