Staff report

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded a $10,000 urban renewal grant to Covington-based Catalytic Development Corporation.

It is one of seven grants totaling $110,000 to regional organizations designed to halt the decline of cities, neighborhoods and main streets, promote job creation or retention, support community vitality, act as catalysts for additional commercial redevelopment, and create jobs through commercial redevelopment.

“We are pleased to continue our commitment to urban renewal with these grants. By supporting these innovative projects, we are not only addressing vacant spaces, but also encouraging new businesses to start and locate in Greater Cincinnati,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “These grants demonstrate our commitment to turning goals into action and building the vitality and resilience of the communities we serve.”

The grant to Catalytic Development Corporation will transform a dilapidated and vacant historic commercial building on a corner in Covington’s Westside neighborhood into a vibrant community asset.

“The Catalytic Fund has long partnered with the Duke Energy Foundation to make impactful investments in Northern Kentucky’s river cities,” said Travis Gysegem, director of research and underwriting for Catalytic Development Corporation. “This year, we are pleased to have their support for a project on Pike Street in Covington. This support will allow us to accelerate the redevelopment of a vacant and blighted building and provide economic development opportunities for the community.”

Other recipients include: Avondale Development Corporation for the redevelopment of the historic Gabriel’s Place Church; Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corporation for the stabilization of 2908 Colerain; College Hill Urban Redevelopment Corporation for the development of College Hill Plaza; NEST – Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Corporation for the redevelopment of 4001 Hamilton Ave.; Norwood Together for Vella’s Cafe; and Price Hill Will for the design of a community center at 3509 Warsaw.