The City of Albuquerque has announced that Pland Collaborative, a local landscape architecture firm, will receive $50,000 in funding through The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency's Storefront Activation Grant Program. This financial support will aid in the renovation and expansion of Pland Collaborative's downtown location, contributing to the improvement of the city's outdoor spaces.
According to a press release by the City of Albuquerque, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) is dedicated to investing in local businesses and the downtown environment through the Storefront Activation Grant Program. The program aims to revitalize and promote growth in the core of the city.
Pland Collaborative is currently in the process of renovating 5,076 square feet to establish new offices, including the development of a patio plaza facing the Rail Trail. The grant funds will be used to assist with lease payments for the new space, allowing the firm to allocate additional funds towards growing their business.
"We plan to use the grant funds to assist with lease payments for our new space which will allow us to free up additional funds to grow our business," said Noreen Kramme, Marketing Director of Pland Collaborative. "Since we've been at the new location at 600 1st Street, we've seen an increase in employee morale and productivity which has allowed us to hire two new employees."
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency's focus is on revitalizing downtown Albuquerque and the Central Avenue corridor through partnerships, sustainable infrastructure, and support for local residents and businesses. The agency envisions drawing economic investment and fostering a diverse, innovative, culturally rich, and vibrant community.
"Our Storefront Activation Grant Program is a unique incentive offered by our department to support local businesses and create pathways for them to grow," said Terry Brunner, Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. "Downtown Albuquerque is on track to becoming one of our city's most vibrant destinations, and we encourage more local businesses to be a part of the transformation."
This funding and support from the Storefront Activation Grant Program will contribute to the ongoing transformation of downtown Albuquerque and further enhance the city's outdoor spaces. Pland Collaborative's expansion and renovation project will not only benefit their own business but also contribute to the overall revitalization efforts in the area.