HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 2020-02-24 Item 1C - Decision - Authorization to Seek 4Culture Grant for Old City Hall Preservation PlanCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Henry Hash, Public Works Director
BY: Benton Coblentz, Research Assistant
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: February 19, 2020
SUBJECT: Grant Application for Old Tukwila School and City Hall
ISSUE
Staff requests Committee approval to submit an application to 4Culture for a Preservation
Special Projects grant for up to $15,000 to create a preservation plan for the Tukwila Heritage
and Cultural Center.
BACKGROUND
The Old Tukwila School and City Hall building is a City -owned facility built in the early 1920s
located at 14475 59th Ave S. It houses the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center and is leased
by the City to the Tukwila Historical Society. It has been listed on the National Register of
Historic Places since 1979.
DISCUSSION
The physical condition of the Old City Hall building has slowly degraded, with paint chipping
away on the siding, root intrusion under the asphalt parking lot and sidewalk, inadequate
drainage, water damage, and deterioration of the window glazing and flashing. The status of
the building needs immediate repair to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of the
building. If repairs are delayed too long, the costs and health risks could grow significantly.
In order to restore the building while protecting its historical integrity, staff recommends hiring a
consultant to conduct a formal assessment of the building and develop a preservation plan. A
preservation plan for the building would detail the current condition, the necessary repairs, and
the staging of the restoration of the building. Hiring a consultant to develop a preservation plan
would cost in the range of $20,000.
In order to fund the development of a preservation plan, staff recommends the City apply for
grant funding from 4Culture. The Preservation Special Projects grant from 4CUlture funds
projects like the development of preservation plans for historic buildings in King County. In
2019, 11 projects received a total of $94,766 in funding. Awards typically range from $1,000 to
$10,000, with the largest award in recent years being in the amount of $15,000 in 2019.
The Preservation Special Projects grant application is due March 4, 2020. Recipients of this
grant money must contribute to the protection of King County's historic buildings, provide a
public benefit for King County residents and visitors, complete the project before December 31,
2021, and be able to complete the project on a reimbursement basis. 4Culture assesses
applications based on their quality, their public benefit, and their feasibility. Further, successful
applications often demonstrate the timely nature of the project, a positive impact for
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underserved communities in King County, and a plan for responsible stewardship of the
building.
If the City does not receive the grant or receives an insufficient amount, staff would reconsider
whether to move forward with the preservation plan project as described or at a reduced scope.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This grant and its related expenditures are not included in the City's 2020 budget. The
difference between the grant award and the project cost (up to $10,000) would come from fund
number 302-General Government Improvement. If the City is successful in receiving the grant,
an end of the year budget amendment may be needed.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee is being asked to approve submittal of the grant application.
ATTACHMENTS
No attachments.
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