HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-19-045 - Short-Term Use of 220 King Street WestREPORT TO:Community andInfrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:March 18, 2019
SUBMITTED BY:Hilary Abel,Manager, Downtown Community Development,
519-741-2200 ext.7064
PREPARED BY:Hilary Abel,Manager, Downtown Community Development,
519-741-2200 ext.7064
Emily Robson, Coordinator, Arts & Creative Industries
519-741-2200 ext. 7084
WARD(S) INVOLVED:10
DATE OF REPORT:February 20, 2019
REPORT NO.:DSD-19-045
SUBJECT:Short-Term Use of 220 King Street West
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
That220 King Street West be used for community programming, pop-up retail
opportunities and temporary art installations from March 2019 through May 2020; and
further,
That staffreport backto Councilona long-term use for 220 King Street Westbefore May
2020.
BACKGROUND:
Open Sesameleaseat 220 King Street Westended on February 28th, 2019.
Open Sesame provided retail space for local makers, needed exhibition space for visual artists,
a venue for poetry readings and artist talks. In addition to its retail operations, Open Sesame
has played a valuable role supporting the development of underserved communities, specifically
the LGBTQ+ communityoffering affordable and safespace for gatherings and events.This
use helped to add vibrancy and animation to Carl Zehr Square.
Carl Zehr Square is slatedfor renovation from 2020 until 2021. During construction, access to
220 King Street West will be limitedat times.
REPORT:
In determining the best use for this space, staff considereda variety of option. Considerations
included issuing a request for proposals (RFP)for a new tenant; as well as alternative uses that
allow for the implementation of strategic initiatives like pop-up retail, incubator space.
***This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994for assistance.
5 - 1
Given the anticipated impacts of construction,staff recommend using the space for city-
facilitated programming until the construction is completed. This may include, community
programming, pop-up retail, temporary art installationsetc. These uses will be facilitated by City
staff, who will work with partners and the broader community to animate and activate the space.
The option continues the momentum generated by Open Sesame, while providing the ability to
pilot diverse uses of the space.
Concurrently, staff willassess long-term options for this space, and will presentthese options to
Council before May2020.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
On average, this space generates approximately $20,000 in rental revenueannually, of which
approximately $8,500 isCAM fees. In addition, the tenant typically pays approximately $7,000
in property tax.
These revenues will not be collected during the timethespace is used as recommended in this
report.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Short-term usesoutlined by staff (community programming, pop-up retail opportunities and
temporary art installations) aresupported by the following action items identified in Make it
Kitchener including:
-Explore opportunities for pop-up retail to allow prospective entrepreneurs to test
concepts and products.(Make it Start)
-Facilitate the collision of niche communities and programs into larger coordinated
event and festivals. (Make it Vibrant)
-Invigorate passive and underutilized urban spaces (like alleys, parkette,empty
storefronts) as venues for community experiences and creative expression. Start by
activatingour City Hall retail space for visual arts.(Make it Vibrant)
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager,Development Services
Department
5 - 2