HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-12-033 - 79 Joseph StreetREPORT TO: Council
DATE OF MEETING: June 25, 2012
SUBMITTED BY:
Rod Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development
PREPARED BY: Cory Bluhm, Manager of Downtown Community Development
519-741-3400 ext 3375
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
9
DATE OF REPORT:
June 19, 2012
REPORT NO.:
CAO-12-033
SUBJECT:
Lease of 79 Joseph Street
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a month-to-month lease agreement with
Treehaus Collaborative Workspace for 79 Joseph Street, subject to the satisfaction of the City
Solicitor.
REPORT:
Treehause Collaborative Workspace, a not-for-profit organization operating in Downtown
Kitchener, is in search of a new location. 79 Joseph Street, which is currently vacant, provides
a unique opportunity for Treehaus. The space is already configured for an office use, and the
ground level location at the edge of Victoria Park could provide Treehaus with greater access to
the community a stronger presence in Downtown Kitchener.
As 79 Joseph Street is currently one of the options being explored as a potential location of
public washrooms in Victoria Park, the City is only in position to lease the space on a month-to-
month basis.
Leasing the space will result in the Clocktower Boardroom no longer being available as a
bookable meeting space.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
‘Start-Up City’ is one of the five areas of focus in the Kitchener Economic Development Strategy
(KEDS.11). Leasing the space to Treehaus ensures that a key collaborative workspace will
remain in Downtown Kitchener. In doing so, numerous small businesses, who would normally
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operate out of home offices, will operate in Downtown Kitchener. Should these companies
expand beyond the capacity provided by Treehaus, there is a strong likelihood that they will
relocate to a downtown location.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The month-to-month lease will provide both rental and common area maintenance revenue.
Treehaus will be responsible for their own utility costs. No leasehold improvements are
necessary.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
None
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Silvia DiDonato, Acting Executive Director
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