ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE a Façade Improvement Program Grant for SCOTTISH RITE THEATRE Located at 400 NE PERRY, in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 1)
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BACKGROUND: Scottish Rites Cathedral is a church styled building that has housed the Scottish Rites Bodies of in Peoria. The building is at 400 NE Perry Avenue at the intersection of Perry and Spaulding. The building is listed as a contributing property to Peoria’s North Side Historic District.
The property has been home to Masons since the mid 1920’s. Masonic membership at its peak was nearly 15,000. More recently a decline in membership in 2019 to less than 1200 had put a strain on the organization’s ability to continue to maintain the building. The property was purchased in April with the intent to restore the property and operate as a home for community venue. Part of this agreement SRC Group as new owners have granted use of the Scottish Rites Theatre to Mason on an ongoing basis. The renovations to the property will require a multi-phase renovations process.
A total investment of more than $490,000 for the acquisition has been made. Renovations to the interior theater, HVAC and other improvements are currently being considered.
The Façade Improvements alone amount to $36,903, which consists of the restoration preservation of the front stain glass window facing Perry Street. This process will include application of new lead, recementing the window, replacement of the inner and outer protective coatings. The window is 192 inches high by 252 inches wide. The budget and rendering of the façade are attached.
To receive this grant, applicants must meet all City requirements including approval from City Council, make the improvements, and submit receipts for reimbursement of 50% of eligible expenditures in an amount not to exceed $5,000. Façade grants are provided on the condition that: a) funds are available, b) proposed improvements are eligible, c) the project is approved by City Council, d) improvements are completed according city code, and e) receipts are verified for reimbursement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If approved, the City will reimburse 50% of eligible project cost up to $5,000 and will utilize funds from the East Village TIF
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Not applicable.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: SRC Group LLC, (Scottish Rite Theatre) will be reimbursed for the cost of the improvements up to $5,000. This will assist with revitalization efforts in the East Village TIF area.
IMPACT IF DENIED: SRC Group (Scottish Rite Theatre) may reprioritize the timeline of the repair and replacement of the Stain Glass restoration resulting in a potential delay of this specific improvement.
ALTERNATIVES: None
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: To Be Issued prior to Reimbursement.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
3. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Grow employers and jobs.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office