Eevy Ivy Over Flowers, Framing & Gifts Receives Grant for Building Renovation

Eevy Ivy Over Flowers, Framing & Gifts was awarded a $30,000 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) for the renovation and expansion of its storefront. The Community First® Accelerate Grant is a grant offered to small businesses to advance economic opportunities in the communities they serve. Security Financial Bank (SFB) is a member of the FHLBank Chicago and supported Eevy Ivy Over through the application process.

Rebecca Gudis, owner of Eevy Ivy Over, expressed her appreciation for SFB on helping her through this grant. "Jacob Bauer [SFB relationship manager] was a true partner in guiding me in the application process and answered any questions I had," said Gudis.

The FHLBank Chicago grant program focuses on community building and prioritizes assisting storefront businesses. Eevy Ivy Over is housed in a historic building dating back to 1908. Gudis used the funds to expand and renovate the storefront with construction starting in January 2025. The exterior renovation included replacing missing bricks, restoring the white sandstone, and preserving the building's original "1908 Music Block" logo. The interior was revamped to include new lighting, walls, flooring, and a new professional framing workshop. Eevy Ivy Over reopened in its remodeled location on Friday, July 11.

"The grant funds allowed us to execute our vision for a complete renovation and ensured the building will last for years to come," Gudis explained. "This project has improved our customer experience. The new layout also provides opportunities for bigger projects because of the custom-built flower cooler that triples the size of the old cooler."

Additional partners came together to back this massive project, including Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Regional Business Fund Inc., and the City of Chippewa Falls.

Visit the new Eevy Ivy Over storefront in downtown Chippewa Falls at 314 N Bridge St. The community is invited to a ribbon cutting with the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce on August 21 at 3 p.m. with an open house to follow until 6 p.m.

For more information on Accelerate Grants and eligibility, visit www.fhlbc.com.