[0:00] I think this is a really cool thing that the city is doing [0:04] to incentivize business owners to fix up the properties that they own. [0:08] The Site and Facade Improvement Program is a program to assist businesses [0:12] to brighten up their front facades, make it more approachable [0:16] for customers, and just better looking overall for our community. [0:20] We replaced all the windows in the building, [0:23] we had the entire exterior painted, and we tore off the front [0:26] awning and updated the lighting on the front of the building. [0:30] And then with our second grant, the program will pay [0:33] for sidewalks, patios and things like that. [0:37] So we did that this year. [0:38] Landscaping, and we updated the lighting [0:41] on the front of the building to suit our tenants needs as well. [0:44] It also works for signage. [0:46] We were lucky to move in in November of 2024 and prior to moving [0:51] in, we started a renovation project which involved some pretty [0:55] substantial improvements to the outside, including this new entrance, [0:58] which is an accessible entrance to face our parking lot with a canopy, [1:02] some improvements to the stucco and the brick behind me, [1:06] as well as pretty substantial landscaping changes trying to highlight [1:10] more Minnesota native plants and the natural surrounding area. [1:14] All the exposed cinder block here, we painted that black, [1:16] kind of make it a little bit more subtle and blend in a bit. [1:18] Ended up cutting some new windows, [1:20] matched them in black. But then, in order to lighten it up and boost [1:23] the front of the building, we put on this nice new stone. [1:26] And then we're starting work on some awnings as well. [1:29] We put a patio out front here for our team. [1:31] We raised all the garage doors to allow us to park installation inside, [1:34] and then also it helps ease of access with the forklift and all the material [1:37] that we bring in and out on a daily basis. [1:40] It helped us build our privacy fencing, [1:42] and as well as some landscaping and exterior [1:45] renovations, just to make the building look welcoming and beautiful. [1:50] We were interested in the lot, the building. Everything was nice. [1:53] Everything was perfect. [1:54] But then we connected with the city and I think the city personnel [1:59] was what made us make the decision on buying the place. [2:02] The city of Bloomington and the Site and Facade Improvement [2:05] Program helped us to really beautify this property, not only for the esthetic, [2:10] but also to set it up in an efficient and operational way for us to help serve [2:13] 40,000 people every year. [2:15] Nobody benefits from buildings getting run down in Bloomington. [2:19] And because this is a mature zip code, all the properties are built out. [2:24] It's really going to take little things like this to help people keep things up. [2:30] And that benefits the whole community. [2:32] For any business in Bloomington, considering the program, having a nice [2:35] looking building out front where people can stop by, walk in, [2:38] you know, go over their projects with us in person. [2:40] It definitely lends credibility to ourselves as a company [2:43] and then also allows us to reinvest in Bloomington. [2:45] The Site and Facade Improvement [2:47] Program is open to all businesses across Bloomington. [2:49] We help all businesses from small to large. [2:52] The applications reopen on the first of every year. [2:55] You can go to the city's website, and we'll show all the eligible activities [2:59] so that people can apply for the funding.