DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
La Villita Culinary Operator
SUMMARY:
This item is a briefing on the Request for Interest (RFI) identifying a culinary concept and operator for Maverick Plaza located within historic La Villita.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
La Villita is a historic, City-owned facility located within the Inner City Reinvestment Infill Policy Area (ICRIP) and the Inner City TIRZ #11. Mayor Maury Maverick Plaza (plaza) is located at the corner of Alamo Street and Nueva Street within La Villita. The Plaza serves as the main entrance into the facility, is the largest venue, and is currently utilized solely for wedding receptions, private parties, corporate functions, and festivals. The plaza includes a historic fountain, a non-historic concession stand, and restroom facility.
The Center City Development & Operations Department released an RFI for La Villita Maverick Plaza Culinary Concept and Operator on February 9, 2016. Two submissions were received on April 11, 2016 from Grupo La Gloria and Benjamin Mondragon. An evaluation team which consisted of members from the Office of Historic Preservation, Finance Office, World Heritage Office, and Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation met with both submitters on August 16, 2016 and recommends to continue discussions with Grupo La Gloria.
Grupo La Gloria proposes to transform and activate the plaza with permanent food and beverage retailers along with daily programming to include artisans and musicians. Chef Johnny Hernandez and his team will develop a new Mexican restaurant showcasing Mexican people, food and culture. A German beer garden and French bakery and coffee shop are also part of the vision for Maverick Plaza.
Following several meetings with Grupo La Gloria, staff seeks approval to enter into a six-month Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for more due diligence. The MOU would also partially fund a consultant to assist Grupo La Gloria with a concept plan to address space planning, design guidelines, economics, and public infrastructure. Following the MOU’s expiration, staff anticipates entering into a funding agreement with Grupo La Gloria to fund public improvements in and around Maverick Plaza.
ISSUE:
This item provides a briefing on the proposed Request for Interest.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is a briefing for informational purposes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved by City Council, the MOU would provide up to $30,000 to partially fund a consultant to assist Grupo La Gloria with space planning efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is a briefing for informational purposes. Upon completion of the concept plan and if the project is determined to be feasible, staff will return to City Council with a lease agreement and development agreement for approval.