Title
A Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center (B)
Explanation
The A. Quinn Jones Museum project is structured around creating a visitor experience that gives the legacy of A. Quinn Jones and the Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street (FAPS) neighborhood residents; their history, triumphs and setbacks and how these events related to the broader context of our local and national history. The objective is that people of all ages and cultural backgrounds will walk away from the experience inspired, uplifted, enriched, and educated. This museum will showcase how A. Quinn Jones’ legacy of laying a foundation for students to obtain an education had a monumental impact on not only our local community but our global one as well.
Construction for the Phase I Interior Build-out has reached substantial completion. Staff is anticipating moving ahead with Phase II - Site Work including landscaping to support the goal of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. We anticipate beginning construction by mid-May with a target completion date of late summer.
Simultaneously Staff will continue to develop interior design and programming schedule for the museum along with implementing a fundraiser and reinstituting the Capital Campaign. We have been in discussion with Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs department on the management and operations of the facility as we move towards adding the museum to their catalogue.
A grand opening is tentatively scheduled for February 2017 during Black History Month.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to the CRA Board: Hear presentation from staff.