The Gathering receives $116,000 from Downtown Grant

On August 5, the Chickasha City Council approved a recommendation from the Economic Development Council (EDC) to reimburse Open Skies Group, LLC $116,000 through the Central Business District Building Grant (Downtown Building Grant).

The grant reimburses a portion of improvement costs for The Gathering, located at 611 W Chickasha Avenue. The upper floor of the historical building was renovated to create a formal event venue.

Applicants for the Downtown Building Grant may submit for reimbursement of $1 for every $3 spent in eligible project costs, up to $25 per square foot. The program is funded by revenue from an economic development sales tax, now expired. The application must be submitted and qualifications accepted by the EDC Board and City Council before the work is completed, but no money is disbursed until after the project is complete.

According to EDC estimates and records, the Downtown Building Grant has invested approximately $1.4 million, but has spurred nearly $12 million in private investment over the life of the program.