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 a Resolution authorizing an application for the Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory Creative Campus.
Report
Issue:
Whether to a to approve a Resolution authorizing an application for the Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory Creative Campus.
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 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. The City of Olympia has received $1,000,000 from this grant for the 2023-2024 biennium for exterior stabilization and preservation to halt water intrusion, and design work in preparation for major systems renewal.
If approved, the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department (OPARD) intends apply to this grant again for funds to address essential life safety and access improvements including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements, HVAC upgrades, installation of an elevator and continued restoration of historic doors and windows 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.
The grant deadline is June 7, 2023, for a full proposal. During that time OPARD staff will be working with the construction and design contractor, Ameresco, to complete application materials.
Climate Analysis:
Through working with the DES Energy Program and Ameresco, all building improvements for the Armory will be approached through an Energy Conservation Lens. Because building use will change and occupancy will increase, we will most likely see an increase in energy use but a longer-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the improvements to this building, especially as we commit to look for opportunities for clean self-sustaining energy such as solar.
Equity Analysis:
The Olympia Community, Arts Nonprofits, Anchor Partners and more will benefit from this work as it is the first step to upgrading the Armory to be available for community use. Although this portion of the work does not have a high community engagement component, it is based on community engagement work done previously through the 2022 Concept Plan. Finally, this work will be done with Ameresco, whose commitment to DEI and hiring local subcontractors who are minority and women owned is high and demonstrable.
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. A National Register nomination was submitted in early 2024.
Financial Impact:
The City has allocated funds 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.
Options:
1. Move to approve application for a 2025-2027 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 2025-2027 grant cycle, so the next opportunity would be after 2027.
Attachments:
Resolution
Heritage Capital Projects Grant Webpage