Title
***REVISED ITEM (SEE ATTACHED MEMO)*** Warehouse/Threatened Building Grant Application for Beth Hebrew Synagogue (Ordinance S-44432)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into neccessary agreements and conveyance related to a Warehouse/Threatened Building grant of up to $280,000 for rehabilitation of the historic Beth Hebrew Synagogue, located at 333 E. Portland St. (a.k.a. 331 E. Portland St.). Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
This request is to provide the ownership of Beth Hebrew Synagogue with a Historic Preservation Warehouse Threatened Building grant of up to $280,000 to assist with the rehabilitation of the historic building. The structure was constructed in 1955, designed by architect Max Kaufmann and built by Mardian Construction. The building is nationally recognized as an outstanding example of modern synagogue architecture and has an extensive history. On completion of the rehabilitation, the former synagogue will be occupied and used as the original intended use - as a religious and cultural resource to be used by the community as both an educational space and tourist destination.
Contract Term
In exchange of the grant funds, the City will receive a 30-year conservation easement on the property. The conservation easement will require that the historic character of the property be preserved and that the property be insured and maintained in good condition. Since the property is not currently listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register, no grant funds will be disbursed until after the HP zoning application is approved by the City Council.
Financial Impact
The total cost of eligible items is estimated to be over $400,000. The total request of funds from the City totals $280,000. The applicant has requested that $140,000 in HP Bond funds previously approved for the rehabilitation of an additional property (Phoenix Seed & Feed Company Warehouse) be transferred to this project, as the Phoenix Seed & Feed Company project is not ready to move forward at this time and Michael Levine is the LLC manager/owner of the Phoenix Seed & Feed Company. An additional $140,000 in Community and Economic Development funds may potentially be available for authorization if the applicant provides sufficient information on the economic impact of the property, and such information is verified and approved by the Community and Economic Development Department. The source and fiscal year availability of those funds from the Community and Economic Development Department will be provided in the Formal Council Report if the applicant provides sufficient acceptable information. The applicant would also provide an estimated match of over $500,000. Expenses would include reimbursement for materials and sweat equity by the applicant.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on Feb. 12, 2018. The Downtown, Aviation, Economy and Innovation Subcommittee recommended approval on March 13, 2018 by a vote of 4-0.
Location
333 E. Portland St. (a.k.a. 331 E. Portland St.)
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers Mario Paniagua and Deanna Jonovich, and the Planning and Development and Community and Economic Development departments.