ZEPHYRHILLS — The city of Zephyrhills has offered two recently renovated houses in the heart of the downtown district for lease in hopes of adding new businesses that will enhance the evolution of downtown.
Captain Jeffries House, a 2,365-square-foot building at 38537 Fifth Ave., and the Carriage House, a 1,320-square foot building at 5323 Ninth St., were shown to prospective tenants last week. The city is pitching the locations as being in the perfect spot — within a short walking distance of Zephyrhills Brewing Co., Your Turn Cafe and Gentlemen’s Quarters Barber Shop.
The city opened a request for proposals to secure leases on each of the spaces with lease dates that could start as early as Oct. 1, 2021. The city may offer incentives, such as zero lease payments for a set period of time and assistance with remodeling costs, to business owners who also invest in the property and who will drive foot traffic.
“The downtown district has been evolving over the past few years into an area that draws our community members, and even people who don’t live in Zephyrhills, to it. It’s got a very ‘Main Street’ vibe, with the brick sidewalks, music throughout, string lights and businesses that people enjoy frequenting,” the city’s community redevelopment agency director Gail Hamilton said in a news release.
“We are looking for businesses that will continue to add to the walkability and excitement of our downtown,” Hamilton said.
Those seeking more information can contact Karen Miller, city purchasing agent, at 813-780-0000, ext. 3536, or at kmiller@ci.zephyrhills.fl.us.