Title
Demonstration Project Grant for First Baptist Church, 302 W. Monroe St. (Ordinance S-46356)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into necessary agreements and conveyances with Abbey Historic Restoration LP related to a Historic Preservation Demonstration Project grant of up to $200,000 for the First Baptist Church, located at 302 W. Monroe St. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
Constructed in 1929, First Baptist Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and Phoenix Historic Property Register in 1995. The building is significant for its architectural style--Italian Gothic with Modern influences--and for its progressive design, with an auditorium for religious events instead of a sanctuary, a stage with a proscenium arch and curtains replacing the altar, and individual seats rather than pews. The brick building with stucco consists of two parts: the main four-story 1929 building and a two-story 1949 addition to the west. The most notable features of the building are a 105-foot-tall corner bell tower and a large cast stone pointed arch and rose window centered on the south facade.
Although the building was originally of substantial construction with high quality materials, finishes, and detailing, it suffered serious damage in 1984. A fire destroyed a number of significant interior features and quickly moved to the attic, resulting in the building's Spanish tile roof collapsing into the auditorium. The roof structure over the west wing remained intact, while the bell tower's hipped roof was damaged such that it was eventually determined hazardous and its tiles had to be removed. Over the past three decades, exposure to the elements caused further deterioration. To address the safety issues resulting from a damaged and compromised structural support system, several sets of bracing have been installed to support the exterior walls. In 1999, an Arizona Heritage Fund grant provided monies to partially rehabilitate the exterior of the building.
In 2015, the City provided a Demonstration Project grant in the amount of $82,156 to repair the portions of the roof that remain on the building and to reimburse for structural engineering expenses. In exchange for the grant funds, the City received a 25-year conservation easement on the exterior of the building, which remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2041. The conservation easement requires that the historic character of the property be preserved, and that the property be insured and maintained in good condition.
The property owner, Abbey Historic Restoration LP, is now requesting additional funding to continue rehabilitation of the historic building. The proposed work, which includes repair of the historic stucco and plaster and reconstruction of the historic doors and windows, will be the culmination of the initial phase of the rehabilitation. The work will be guided by a comprehensive study provided by Evergreen Architectural Arts. The larger rehabilitation project is being undertaken as a federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit project, so all work will conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, as well as the City of Phoenix General Design Guidelines for Historic Properties.
Financial Impact
The amount requested for the Demonstration Project grant is $200,000. The cost of the proposed work is estimated to be $657,861. Funding for the grant is available through the Community and Economic Development Department. In exchange for the grant funds, the City will add 30 years to the term of the existing conservation easement, providing protection for the building through Jan.15, 2071. The other terms of the easement will remain the same.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on Dec.16, 2019, by a vote of 7-0.
This item was recommended for approval at the Land Use and Livability Subcommittee meeting on Jan. 15, 2020, by a vote of 4-0.
Location
302 W. Monroe St.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich, Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua, and the Planning and Development and Community and Economic Development departments.