Title
Approval of Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant - First Baptist Church - 302 W Monroe St.
Description
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of a Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant of up to $137,000 to assist with the rehabilitation of the historically designated First Baptist Church located at 302 W. Monroe St.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The First Baptist Church was constructed in 1929, and dedicated in 1930. It was listed in the National and Phoenix historic property registers for its architectural significance as an example of the Italian Gothic Style with Moderne overtones as applied to religious architecture. Although the building was originally of substantial construction with high quality materials, finishes, and detailing, it suffered serious damage in 1984 when a fire broke out in the building. The roof structure over the west wing remained intact, while the bell tower's hipped tile roof was damaged such that it was eventually determined hazardous, and its tiles had to be removed. Water damage from fighting the fire also caused additional damage and loss of the building's features and ornamentation.
Previous rehabilitation work on the property includes the following:
- 1984 - Emergency stabilization after the fire and the erection of temporary bracing
- 1992 - City-mandated work in accordance with a stabilization plan to reduce the hazardous conditions and remove bracing from the public rights-of-way
- 1999 - AZ Heritage Fund grant project (No. 649404) rehabilitating the south facade features, fixtures and ornamentation and the window and doors of the church
- 2014-2015 - Installation of interior steel supports connected to exterior masonry to meet City structural requirements
- 2019-2023 - Repair of the historic stucco and plaster and reconstruction of the historic doors and windows
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.
In 2019, the Community and Economic Development Department provided a Demonstration Project grant in the amount of $200,000 for stucco and plaster repairs and reconstruction of doors and windows. In exchange for the grant funds, the City received an additional 30-year conservation easement that will terminate in 2071.
The applicant is requesting additional funding to continue rehabilitation of the historic building. The proposed work includes the repair of the rose window and the columns which once held the proscenium arch, courtyard plaster, exterior stucco, as well as repair of broken brickwork (Appendix A). 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.
The cost of the proposed work is estimated to be $387,809 (Appendix B). If approved, the grant funds will be disbursed to the applicant on a reimbursement basis. The applicant will be required to provide evidence of a dollar-for-dollar match.
Financial Impact
The requested amount is $137,000. In exchange for the grant funds, the City will add 25 years to the term of the existing conservation easement, providing protection for the building through Jan. 15, 2096. The other terms of the easement will remain the same.
Concurrence
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on Feb. 12, 2024, by a 7-0 vote.
Location
302 W. Monroe St.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Planning and Development Department.