A collaboration of the Downtown Development Authority and the city’s Main Street organization offers the opportunity for enhanced revitalization projects.

With the DDA’s renewal of the microgrant program for downtown businesses, the movement toward remodeling and improving the city’s image is escalating.

The program, pushed by DDA chair Jon Gemelke and launched last year, puts a new look on the city’s downtown, due to grants up to $5,000 for exterior and interior improvements.

This year, the DDA voted to increase the program from a collective $150,000 to $200,000, opening the door for additional applications.

At the meeting Feb. 3, Gemelke announced that members of the Main Street committee offered to help applicants complete the online applications. “I’m super excited about Main Street coming in to help us,” Gemelke said.

On advice from DDA attorney Josh Myers, the board agreed to finalize the details at the March 3 meeting.

In other news, a report from Chris Hansen, project manager for the Tava House project, offered positive updates about the pending grand opening of the steakhouse.

“We have about 90% of the kitchen equipment in and we’re working on final inspections,” Hansen said. “We have at least 30 people out there every day working. It’s a busy place. It’s getting close.”