Title
Approval of Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant - Seargeant-Oldaker House - 649 N. 3rd Ave. (Ordinance S-50560)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into the necessary agreements and conveyances with 649 3rd Ave Partners, LLC, dba LiveForward Development, related to a Phil Gordon Threatened Building grant of up to $400,000 to assist with the relocation and rehabilitation of the historically designated Seargeant-Oldaker House located at 649 N. 3rd Ave. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Seargeant-Oldaker house was constructed in 1909 and was listed in the National and Phoenix historic property registers as a significant local example of Craftsman-style architecture and for its association with prominent Phoenician Elizabeth Seargeant-Oldaker. The building, which had previously been slated for demolition, will now be relocated on the property, set on a new foundation, stabilized, and rehabilitated for adaptive reuse as a restaurant. The relocation would allow for new multi-use development on the property and provide for long-term preservation of the building through a conservation easement.
The total estimated project cost is $1,350,645, with the City to provide $400,000 in Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant funds, the Arizona Historic Preservation Heritage Fund providing $324,329, and the property owner, 649 3rd Ave Partners, LLC, dba LiveForward Development, paying the $626,316 balance. If approved, the grant funds will be disbursed to the applicant on a reimbursement basis as work is completed. The applicant will be required to provide evidence of a dollar-for-dollar match.
Financial Impact
The City’s costs would not exceed $400,000. In exchange for the grant funds, the City will receive a 30-year conservation easement on the property. The easement will require City review and approval of exterior alterations to the historic building and that the building be insured and kept in good repair.
Funding is available in the Historic Preservation Office Program Budget for grants and subsidies under the classification of the Phil Gordon Threatened Building Program. State grant funding is available through the State Legislature under Arizona Revised Statutes 41-503, the Historic Preservation Heritage Fund Fiscal Year 2024 grant opportunity.
Concurrence
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on Nov. 20, 2023, by a 5-0 vote.
The Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee recommended approval of this item on Jan. 31, 2024, by a 4-0 vote.
Location
649 N. 3rd Ave.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Planning and Development Department.