Hotel Improvement Program Offers Small-Lodging Grants

Hollywood Beach, Florida - The Beach District of the City of Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has introduced a new incentive program for small-lodging operators to help accomplish one of the main objectives of the citywide tourism plan: to establish Hollywood Beach as the first-ever Certified Superior Small Lodging (SSL) Destination.

The Hotel Improvement Program (HIP), which was designed to elevate the standard of beach-area small-lodging properties while enhancing and preserving the character and scale of Hollywood Beach, was approved by the CRA Board on Oct. 24. This year, $1 million in grant funding will be available for comprehensive renovation, restoration or improvement projects by qualified applicants who obtain SSL certification.

The HIP provides an innovative opportunity for the CRA Beach District to work with the operators of small hotels, motels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts toward a common goal, the creation of a Certified SSL Destination. This distinction is integral to Hollywood Beach's strategic tourism marketing plan, according to Judy Erickson, Director of Marketing and Business Development for the CRA Beach District and Hollywood's Acting Director of Tourism.

"The SSL initiative would further solidify Hollywood as a stand-alone entity in an exceedingly competitive tourism market," Erickson said. "By achieving beach-wide SSL status, Hollywood would gain a real competitive edge."

The HIP applies to commercial lodging properties and non-homesteaded properties with 50 rooms or fewer within Hollywood's Beach District, 293 acres between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, from Sherman Street south to the south property line of the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.

Eligible applicants can receive a one-time grant of up to $325,000, with the CRA Beach District reimbursing one dollar for every two dollars spent by the applicant. The program also offers a one-time grant of up to $162,500 along with interest participation on a one-time loan not to exceed $162,500.

Eligible interior and exterior property improvements include restoration of historical architectural features; building additions; facade improvements or renovations; upgraded mechanical, plumbing, or electrical equipment; fixed additions and/or improvements; extensive landscaping elements; the creation of permanent outdoor seating areas; signage replacement; artist murals and painting; improvements to parking and pedestrian access; the correction of code violations; and other repairs or alterations designed to enhance the property, including ADA requirements.

Interested small-lodging operators must submit a completed grant application and SSL Property Review assessment report to the CRA Beach District office for review and recommendation to the CRA Board.