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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-86-0380r • CITY OF MIAM1, FLORIDA �� i INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO. The Honorable Mayor and GATE: MAY 1 1986 FILE. Members of the City Commission SUBJECT: Manuel Artime Community FROM: Cesar H. Odio City Manager 0 Center Theater Renovation REFERENCES: ENCLOSURES: It is recommended that the City Commission approve in principle a plan to renovate the Manuel Artime Community Center Theater for a cost of approximately $60,000. In 1983, we retained the architectural services of Duany, Plater- Zyberk and Plasencia to prepare drawings for a completely renovated theater. This would have included a proscenium and thrust stage, backstage, wing space, rehearsal studios, dressing rooms, etc., for an estimated cost of $ 1.5 million. a After examining other performing arts spaces throughout the country, we feel that the existing theater configuration could be modified and equipment purchased to make this underutilized, inadequate space functional and attractive to performing arts and community groups for an estimated cost of $60,000. This solution, i' while not the optimal, would permit us to continuously upgrade the theater as funding becomes available and does not 9 preclude further ,+ renovations as originally proposed by the architects. It is proposed that the funding come from the following sources: - A $20,000 grant to the City from Dance Umbrella, Inc., a non- profit organization of local dance companies who not only present resident dance but also bring in nationally and internationally known dancers and choreographers. In exchange, Dance Umbrella will request that the City grant them a five-year use permit, for a maximum of fifty (50) days per year rent free (only ten (10) weekends would be used). They will provide insurance, security, if needed, per event, technical staff and stage hands. Additionally, they will provide free tickets to the City for each performance to be distributed to disadvantaged residents. $20,000 from Special Programs and Accounts, Cash Grant Match Fund. There are presently funds available in this account to match the Dance Umbrella grant. $20,000 from the FY 85-86 operating budget of the Manuel Artime Community Center. These funds were allocated for promotional purposes and programming at the Center; however, we have not used the funds in anticipation of better utilizing them to purchase sound and light equipment to make the theater functional. /0(0 fyo.r/ 8a-sue .1% The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission Page two The proposed renovation would include rebuilding the stage to make it suitable for theater, dance and music. The present stage is completely inadequate for theater and dance. Additionally, we would acquire and install a sound and light system. Presently, the theater has no sound nor light. We would also shift the pews to provide better sight lines. During the last fiscal year, the theater was only used for a total of ninety-three (93) days of the year, bringing in only $6,031 in revenues to the City. A renovated fadiity, would significantly increase the usage, particularly* for local cultural institutions, since there is no performing arts space that would be comparable and affordable. once the facility is renovated, we will propose a new, appropriate fee structure since we presently only -:barge $100 per day plus the cost of insurance. The City has had the building inspected in the past for structural, mechanical and electrical systems and the building is in excellent condition. This minimum renovation will tremendously impact on the use of the facility and the revenue that it generates for the City. Dance Umbrella would be an ideal partner for the City since their programs are multi -ethnic and multi -cultural as well as ranging from classical to contemporary dance performances. If this meets with the City Commission's approval, we will prepare the necessary legislation to accept the grant and appropriate the funds for the June Commission meeting. We would hope to accomplish the renovation during the months of August and September. i