DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Amendment No. 6 to the Lease Agreement with the Witte Museum
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of Amendment No. 6 to the lease with the San Antonio Museum Association d/b/a/ The Witte Museum (Witte) transferring ownership interest of specific building improvements fully funded by the Witte and exercising two current 25-year lease extension options extending the term to September 7, 2072; there is no General Fund impact associated with this action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio Museum Association d/b/a The Witte Museum (Witte) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote lifelong learning through innovative exhibitions, programs and collections in natural history, science and South Texas heritage. The museum, which first opened in 1923, has an average of 600,000 visitors annually including approximately 250,000 school aged children.
The Witte master plan is identified in three main phases: 1) South Texas Heritage Center and the Witte Research Center; 2) the New Witte; and 3) World of Water. Phase I is complete and Phase II, the New Witte is currently under construction and includes renovations and additions to the existing (original) Main Building with additional new gallery space. Through previous Council action the City has contributed $16 million toward the $23 million original construction costs of the Main Building.
Phase II the New Witte Museum's transformation, which include the Main Building, total current costs are $72 million with $57 million raised to date and an additional $5 million in pledges committed. Unforeseen structural conditions in the Main Building have resulted in $6 million in additional construction costs. The Witte has committed to continue fundraising efforts for the remaining costs. However their need of temporary financing exists while they continue their cap...
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