Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Application for a Heritage Capital Projects Grant for the Armory Creative Campus
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve an application for the Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory.
Report
Issue:
Whether to apply for a Heritage Capital Projects grant, which would require a grant match of up to $2 million. This grant is administered by the Washington State Historical Society, to support facilities that provide public access to history.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Programs Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Armory was recently transferred to the City of Olympia, "for use as a community asset dedicated to using the arts to support community development, arts education, and economic development initiatives.” The building itself is an Olympia landmark, designed by noted Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb, completed in 1938.
Heritage Capital Projects are a two to one matching grant, for requests between $10,000 and $1,000,000. If approved, the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department (OPARD) intends apply for funds for exterior stabilization and preservation to halt water intrusion, and design work in preparation for major systems renewal, to rehabilitate and preserve this historic building for full public programming and utilization. The largest possible match required of the City would be $2 million, which has already been committed by the City for Phase 1 renovations.
Grant deadlines are April 14, 2022, for eligibility review and June 9, 2022, for a full proposal. During that time OPARD staff will be working with the City’s Historic Preservation Officer and the consultant currently working on the Armory Conceptual Design and Business Plan to complete application materials.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia Armory was placed on the City’s heritage register in 2021 with support and assistance of the Eastside Neighborhood Association.
Options:
1. Move to approve application for a Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory. If approved, this would require a City match of up to $2 million.
2. Move to not approve application for a Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory. No match would be required.
3. Consider applying for a Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory at another time. This is the 2023-2025 grant cycle, so the next opportunity would be after 2025.
Financial Impact:
The City has committed to Phase 1 renovations for the Armory which will exceed the $2 million that serves as the required match for this grant, from the Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Capital Fund.
Attachments:
Resolution
Heritage Capital Projects Grant Webpage