HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-15-033 - City Hall Lease Open Sesame
Committee of the Whole
REPORT TO: Council -
DATE OF MEETING: October 5, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Cory Bluhm, Manager, Downtown Development,
519-741-2200 x 7065
PREPARED BY: Monika Grau, Business Development Officer, Downtown Development
519-741-2200 x 7066
WARD (S) INVOLVED: Ward 10
DATE OF REPORT: September 29, 2015
REPORT NO.: CAO-15-033
SUBJECT:
City Hall Lease - Open Sesame: Art, Books and Objects
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a one year lease with the owner of
Open Sesame: Art, Books and Objects, for space at City Hall municipally known as 220
King Street W., said agreement to be satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
BACKGROUND:
The City Hall retail unit has been vacant since February.Unfortunately, the retail industry has
been hit hard in the last 8 months, with significant local and national retail closures; in
addition, the difficulties of ION construction. Staff needed to take a pro-active approach to
finding a new tenant.
REPORT:
In response to these challenges, City Staff initiatedconversations with local entrepreneurs
about using the space for a retail/convergence/community gathering space focused on
contemporary art. Through these discussions, one community member has offered to
undertake this initiative as their own private venture. Called ‘Open Sesame: Art, Books and
Objects’, the primary function would be for the retailing of contemporary art works, books,
gifts, etc. To complement the primary function, the user intends to host a series of public
workshops, exhibits, art installations, etc., to bring the local contemporary art community into
the space. This would add vibrancy to Carl Zehr Square, thus contributing to the community
and enhancing the Downtown experience.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the City’s Strategic Vision
through the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
A one-year lease supports operating budget projections for the upcoming year. The terms of
the lease represent fair market value for the space in the given context.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
City Staff initiatedconversations with interested local entrepreneurs about using the space for
a retail/convergence/community gathering space focused on contemporary art.
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INFORMThis report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of
the council / committee meeting.
CONCLUSION:
Should the retail market change over the next year, the City could initiate an RFP in a year’s
time, where the existing tenant could bid on the space, leading to a potential long-term lease.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Jeff Willmer, CAO
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