Title
Cotton Club Grant Agreement for FY2009 Appropriation (B)
Explanation
The Cotton Club is an important historical asset for both the Eastside district and the entire Gainesville community. In its heyday, this once-popular venue was host to such performers as James Brown, Brook Benton, and BB King. CRA is a proud partner working to restore this historic building, which will serve as a neighborhood center for recreational, social, educational, and retail opportunities.
In FY2007 and FY2008, the CRA budgeted a total $100,232 for the rehabilitation of the adjacent Perryman's grocery storefront. An additional $22,000 was budgeted in FY2008 for programming at the Cotton Club/Perryman's site in order to establish, advertise, and recruit vendors for an outdoor cultural market.
The CRA had a grant agreement with The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. (CCMCC), a Florida non-profit corporation that outlines the specific requirements of using the available funding as follows:
$50,000 - Phase 1 Perryman Storefront
$50,232 - Phase 2 Perryman Interior Improvements
$22,000 - Farmer's Market
The Phase 1 funding requires CCMCC to provide a 1.5:1 match ratio. On August 20, 2007, the CRA approved the release of $25,000 without the requirement of the local match. CCMCC has recently provided the required local match documentation to release the additional $25,000 for Phase 1 Perryman Storefront improvements. An addendum to the existing grant agreement will be executed.
In FY2009, the CRA budgeted $75,000 in additional funding for the Cotton Club project. Staff has been waiting for CCMCC to develop a master plan and master schedule prior to proposing requirements for the FY2009 appropriation. CCMCC, in partnership with the Powell Center for Construction and Environment, has developed a scope of work for the redevelopment of the entire Cotton Club site, which includes:
Cotton Main Building (CCMB)
Cotton Club Restrooms (CCRR)
Perryman Grocery Store (PGS)
House #1
House #2
Sitework
Now that a more formal plan has been developed by CCMCC, staff would propose the following allocation for the $75,000 appropriated in FY2009:
$25,000 CCMB - Complete Dry-in Requirements
$50,000 CCMB, CCRR, and Sitework
CCMB - Complete Dry-in Requirements
In order to complete stabilization of the CCMB exterior and ensure that building remains dry, door hardware, windows, and vertical siding need to be installed. The CRA would reimburse CCMCC for these expenses.
CCMB, CCRR, and Sitework
As progress is made in implementing the master plan, there will be other opportunities to assist with grant funding for the Main Building, restrooms, and/or sitework.
Fiscal note
$175,232 has been budgeted in account #621-790-W917-W05-5520 and $22,000 in account #621-790-W917-W05-5520.
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to the CRA Board: Authorize the Executive Director to execute an agreement with The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, Inc., a Florida non-profit corporation, for budgeted grant funds, subject to approval by the CRA Attorney as to form and legality.