6. HRSR 11-05-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ITEM # 6. fiver MEMORANDUM TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority FROM: Scott Clark, Community Development Director DATE: November 5, 2007 SUBJECT: Arts Alliance Lease Request for 716 Main Street (Houlton Building) Attachments • June 4, 2007 HRA Meeting Minutes • August 6, 2007 HRA Meeting Minutes • September 4, 2007 HRA Meeting Minutes • Email correspondence from Patrick Grace dated October 11, 2007 On June 4, 2007, staff approached the HRA with the idea of the city's Arts Alliance organization using the Houlton building space as an interim use for up to two years. The rationale behind this request is that Arts Alliance is looking for more public exposure, and by placing them in the heart of the downtown area this continues to add to the energy that has been created by the opening of the Bluffs and Jackson Place buildings, in addition to all of the activity surrounding River's Edge Park. In late summer, staff had put this item on hold until after the City Council completed their discussions on the recently reviewed parking study. Staff approached the Arts Alliance on October 11`" and asked them for various information including a description of what the building would be used for, hours of operation, anticipated leasehold improvements, would they be providing insurance for themselves, minimum length of a lease, utility payments and other related items. Attached with this memorandum is a response email dated October 11, 2007 from Patrick Grace, Executive Director of the Arts Alliance, responding to these various requests. It appears that the main discussion with the HRA is two-fold; 1) allowing the use, and 2) allowing a minimum two-year lease period. The Arts Alliance wants the two years since they will be doing some leasehold improvements and view that this is the time necessary to properly amortize out their efforts and any costs that would be associated with the building. Staff is recommending that we would enter into a lease agreement based upon the framework that has been presented by the Arts Alliance, in addition to any other concerns