$40K Incentive Award Approved For La Marimba Renovation: Oswego Board

OSWEGO, IL — La Marimba will receive a $40,000 incentive award from the Village of Oswego to help offset the renovation costs for its downtown Oswego restaurant.

The Mexican restaurant opened in 2021 at 65 W. Washington St., the space formerly occupied by Firehouse Pizza. La Marimba Restaurants, LLC, requested the grant funding to help offset the high building material and construction costs for its renovation, according to village documents.

Trustees unanimously voted during the March 16 Village Board meeting to approve the grant. The funding comes from the Economic Development Incentive Award Program, which had a balance of $125,837.

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The total budget for the renovation is $120,000, documents state. The first phase included roof replacement and exterior painting. The grant helps the second phase, which includes extensive reconstruction of the front entrance and facade, as well as the installation of a new pergola and garage door near the rear of the property.

Staff recommended the Board approve the request since the application met all grant program criteria and the funding was to rehabilitate a downtown property. The general purpose of the Economic Development Incentive Award Program is to help property improvements that contribute to and enhance Oswego's downtown business district.