Title
Arizona State Parks Heritage Funds
Description
This report requests the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to apply for, accept, and, if awarded, enter into an agreement for up to $300,000 in Arizona State Parks and Trail's Heritage Funds. The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture would use the grant funds in Fiscal Year 2022-23 to conserve five sets of historic exterior doors and rehabilitate the west exterior stairs of the Children's Museum of Phoenix, a city-owned facility.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
Arizona State Parks and Trails' Heritage Funds provide grant opportunities for trail projects, outdoor environmental education programs, local, regional, and state parks, as well as historic preservation projects through legislatively appropriated funds.
The Children's Museum of Phoenix is a city-owned facility located at 215 N. 7th St. The property was originally built in 1914 as the Monroe School. The three-story brick building was the largest elementary school west of the Mississippi River. The school closed as an educational institution in 1972. On Aug. 26, 1977, the Monroe School was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building was later used as a Department of Defense recruiting center after it went through some remodeling, however, in 1998, the building closed once again. In 1998, a small group of volunteers founded the Phoenix Family Museum. The group was supported by City of Phoenix general obligation bond funds to renovate the historic school. The renovation of the building began in 2006. The school became the new home of the Phoenix Family Museum which was renamed Children's Museum of Phoenix on June 14, 2008, the same day that the museum opened to the public.
If awarded, grant funds will be used on five sets of historic doors that need restoration or replacement due to their age, damage, and natural wear and tear. Because the building is on the National Register of Historic Places the doors need to be restored or recreated with historic intent.
Financial Impact
The Arizona State Parks and Trails' Heritage Fund grant requires a 50 percent match by applicants. The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture FY 2022-23 General Fund appropriation will be used to match the grant award.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.