DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Verónica R. Soto, FAICP, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance approving the execution of a Funding Agreement between the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, Westside TIRZ Board of Directors, and the City of San Antonio for eligible public improvements for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 reimbursed over three fiscal years (FY21-FY23) for the Rinconcito de Esperanza Project in Council District 5.
SUMMARY:
Funding Agreement between the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, Westside TIRZ Board of Directors, and the City of San Antonio for eligible public improvements for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 reimbursed over three fiscal years (FY21-FY23) for the Rinconcito de Esperanza Project in Council District 5. The Rinconcito de Esperanza project consists of two phases.
Phase I has been completed and consisted of the restoration of two historic buildings and the construction of the MujerArtes Studio. Phase II consists of several rehabilitation and construction projects to include the repurposing of Ruben’s Ice House as the Museo del Westside, creation of an outdoor multipurpose performance for film screening and event space, and the restoration of seven houses.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On December 15, 2020, the Westside TIRZ Board of Directors approved a Funding Agreement with the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center for eligible public improvements for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 reimbursed over three fiscal years (FY21-FY23) for the Rinconcito de Esperanza Project. This rehabilitation and new construction project incorporates historic preservation and adaptive reuse to rekindle vibrant community life in San Antonio’s historic Westside.
The Esperanza is a 33 year old nationally recognized cultural arts organization with an active presence and in the Westside for over 26 years. The Esperanza presents cultural programs, free concerts, bailes, workshops, and school collaborations.
The Rinconcito de Esperanza project consists of two phases. All phases are open to the public.
Phase I of the Rinconcito de Esperanza included property acquisition, restoring Casa de Cuentos and Casita, stabilizing & installing a new roof on Ruben’s Ice House, and building MujerArtes Studio. Phase I was completed at a cost of $1,462,640.
Phase II consists of several rehabilitation and construction projects. A new 600 square foot adobe (Compressed Earth Block) addition to Ruben’s Ice-House will be constructed to serve as a Museum Gallery. The seven houses located at 812-820 Colorado will either be demolished or rehabilitated and will be open to the public. They will be used as multi-purpose facilities to provide different types of services for the community such as a community health space, a ceramic art studio, a public internet space, a radio and oral history studio, workshop space, and meeting space. Phase II also consists of the creation of an outdoor multi-purpose space for performances and events. Phase II will include the following improvements: new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, lighting, fencing, and restrooms. The project is anticipated to begin in January 2021 and is estimated to be completed by December 31, 2022.
ISSUE:
City Council consideration is requested for the approval of a Funding Agreement for the Rinconcito de Esperanza Project for eligible public improvements for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.
ALTERNATIVES:
If City Council chooses not to approve the Funding Agreement, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will need to seek an alternate funding source. This could potentially cause the project to be delayed or not move forward with phase II.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this agreement is available through the tax increment produced by the Westside TIRZ #30. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Funding Agreement between the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, Westside TIRZ Board of Directors, and the City of San Antonio for eligible public improvements for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 reimbursed over three fiscal years (FY21-FY23) for the Rinconcito de Esperanza Project.