HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.08.10CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, March 08, 2010
City Council convenes 15 minutes after the conclusion of Planning and Development,
but not earlier than 7:00 pm
ORDER OF BUSINESS
AGENDA ADDENDUM
The following changes have been made to the City of Evanston City
Council March 8, 2010 agenda:
ADDED
Administration & Public Works
(A4.1)* Resolution 19-R-10 Authorizing the City Manger to Execute a Letter of Agreement
with Robert L. Canel for the Sale of Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamps and the
Issuance of Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemptions
Council approval of Resolution 19-R-10 is requested to facilitate the timely
processing of Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamps and Exemptions at Cook County.
Our current agent/firm is leaving the business and staff recommends hiring a new
firm.
(P6)* Approval to Match Federal Funds for Varsity Theatre Renovation
Staff requests authorization from City Council to submit a Letter of Intent to the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) regarding a matching grant opportunity
through the Mayors' Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative.
(Supporting documentation is attached; agenda item is already listed on the
City Council agenda)
REMOVED
Planning & Development
(P5)* Plat of Subdivision Approval for 2408 Orrington Avenue, former site of Kendall
College
Staff, the Preservation Commission, and the Site Plan and Appearance Review
Committee send the attached proposed plat of subdivision of the former site of
Kendall College – the block bounded by Orrington Avenue, Colfax Street, Sherman
Avenue, and Lincoln Street and also referred to as 2408 Orrington Avenue – into
nineteen single-family lots as shown in the attached plat dated December 7, 2009, to
City Council for consideration of approval on condition of providing an additional
alley easement.
For Action
A4.1
Resolution 19-R-10 Authorizing the City Manger to Execute a
Letter of Agreement with Robert L. Canel for the Sale of Real
Estate Transfer Tax Stamps and the Issuance of Real Estate
Transfer Tax Exemptions
For City Council meeting of March 8, 2010 Item A4.1
Resolution 19-R-10
For Action
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Administration and Public Works Committee
From: Grant Farrar, City Attorney
Rodney Greene, City Clerk
Subject: Resolution 19-R-10 Authorizing the City Manger to Execute a Letter of
Agreement with Robert L. Canel for the Sale of Real Estate Transfer Tax
Stamps and the Issuance of Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemptions
Date: March 5, 2010
Recommended Action:
Authorization of Resolution 19-R-10 as detailed below.
Funding Source:
Funding is provided in the City Collectors Office from Account 1905.51620.
Summary:
In order to facilitate the timely processing of Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamps and
Exemptions at Cook County, the City maintains a contractual relationship with a
downtown agent. Our current agent/firm is leaving the business and in order to
continue these services staff is recommending the hiring of a new firm. As detailed in
the attached resolution, Mr. Robert L. Canel of the Stewart Title Company 2 North
LaSalleStreet,Suite 1400 Chicago,Illinois 60602 will provide the above services for $15
per transaction. This fee represents no change to the previous fee.
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Attachments:
Resolution 19-R-10
Agreement Between Robert L. Canel and the City of Evanston.
19·R·10
A RESOLUTION
Authorizing the City Manger to Execute a Letter of Agreement with
Robert L. Canel for the Sale of Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamps and
the Issuance of Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemptions
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
of Evanston, a Letter of Agreement between the City of Evanston and Robert L. Canel
for the sale of City of Evanston real estate transfer tax stamps and the issuance of real
estate transfer tax exemptions, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2: That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to
negotiate any additional terms of the Agreement as may be determined to be in the best
interests of the City.
SECTION 3: That this Resolution 19-R-10 shall be in full force and effect
from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
Rodney Greene, City Clerk
Adopted:"2010
Letter of Agreement between the
City of Evanston and Robert L. Canel
Letter of Agreement between the
City of Evanston and Robert L. Canel for the
Sale of Real Estate Transfer Stamps and the
Issuance of Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemptions
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this _ day of ,2010,by
and between the City of Evanston, an Illinois municipal corporation (the "City"),
located at 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, and Robert L. Canel ("Canel"), an
individual; and
WHEREAS,the City of Evanston has found it desirable to be able to sell
its real estate transfer tax stamps and to issue real estate transfer tax exemptions at a
location in downtown Chicago; and
WHEREAS,Robert L.Canel has offered to sell City of Evanston real estate
transfer tax stamps and issue real estate transfer tax exemptions at his office in
downtown Chicago; and
WHEREAS,Robert L. Canel has represented to the City of Evanston that
he is experienced in selling real estate transfer tax stamps and issuing real estate
transfer tax exemptions; and
WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of Evanston has authorized the
City Manager to execute this Letter of Agreement by Resolution 19-R-10,
NOW, THEREFORE,the City of Evanston and Robert L. Canel agree
1. The foregoing recitals are found as fact and made a part hereof.
2. That transactions for the sale of City of Evanston real estate transfer tax stamps
and the issuance of City of Evanston real estate transfer tax exemptions shall be
conducted at Canel's office located at Stewart Title Company, 2 North LaSalle Street,
Suite 1400,Chicago, Illinois 60602,during regular officehours, 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
3. That the City will provide Canel with its real estate transfer tax stamps and
other articles required for the issuance of said stamps and exemptions. Canel will
maintain all such articles in a secure location and will allow no one else to use
them. Canel will return all such articles to the City Clerk promptly upon
termination of this Agreement for any reason and as a condition to City payout of
his final compensation.
4. That Canel shall be compensated at the rate of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per
transaction involving the issuance of City of Evanston real estate transfer tax
stamps or exemptions. The City will pay Canel on a monthly basis by check issued
within five (5) days after City Council approval of each payment application
submitted by Canel.
5. That the City Clerk will provide Canel with training in the issuance of City
of Evanston real estate transfer tax stamps and exemptions. Canel will issue said
stamps and exemptions in accordance with Title 3, Chapter 29 of the Evanston
City Code of 1979, as amended, attached hereto as Exhibit #1 and incorporated
herein by reference.
6. That Canel shall accept no cash from real estate transfer tax applicants. All
payments therefor must be by check or money order made payable to the
"City of Evanston".
7. That Canel shall transmit all real estate transfer tax funds, applications, and
related information to the City Clerk, no less often than once each week, by
reliable delivery service at the City's expense. The City Clerk and Canel shall agree
on a schedule for such transmissions, which they may modify.
8. The City will indemnify Canel, his successors and heirs, for any loss or
damage to Canel and the Stewart Title Company and Canel arising out of or in
connection with the grant of this Agreement. The City will not indemnify Canel or
the Stewart Title Company and Canel for any wrongful or negligent acts of Canel,
their officers, agents, or employees.
9. That the parties agree to a trial period of ninety (90) days, beginning on
______ , 2010.If neither party terminates this Agreement by giving five (5)
business days notice thereof, in writing, effective no later than ,2010,
said Agreement shall remain in force until terminated as provided for herein.
10. That this Agreement may be terminated by either party upon a written
notice forty-five (45) days prior to said termination provided, however, that either
may terminate this Agreement upon five (5) days' written notice in the event of
material breach or for Canel's inability to perform under this Letter of Agreement.
11. That the City, at its cost, shall obtain a bond to secure the faithful
performance of his duties under this Agreement in the amount of twenty-five
thousand dollars ($25,000.00).Said bond shall be in form and content satisfactory to
the City, and with a surety acceptable to the City. The City shall audit Caners
records made and practices and procedures conducted or required to be made or
conducted pursuant to this Agreement no less often than once each year
throughout its term. The City may conduct such an audit more frequently than
annually if circumstances require or the surety so demands. Canel shall cooperate
fully with the City in all audits. His failure to do so is a material breach of this
Agreement for which the City may invoke the five (5) day termination period
provided for in paragraph 10above.
12. That Canel shall have the status of independent contactor and not that of an
agent or employee of the City of Evanston.
13. That this Agreement is non-assignable.
14. That, except as stated in paragraph 7 above, this Agreement may be modified
only by an instrument of like formality.
15. That this Letter of Agreement was made in the City of Evanston, County of
Cook, State of Illinois. In the event of litigation between the parties, venue shall be
within Cook County.
16. Notice required or given under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent
by first-class mail, proper postage prepaid as indicated below:
City Clerk
City Clerk's Office
Morton Civic Center
2100Ridge Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
CityAttorney
Law Department
Morton Civic Center
2100Ridge Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Mr.RobertL.Canel
StewartTitleCompany
2North LaSalleStreet,Suite1400
Chicago,Illinois60602
(Signature page follows)
Wally Bobkiewicz
City Manager, City of Evanston
Title 3, Chapter 29 of the Evanston City Code of 1979, as amended
3-29- 1:
3-29- 2:
3-29- 3:
3-29- 4:
3-29- 5:
3-29- 6:
3-29- 7:
3-29- 8:
3-29- 8-1:
3-29- 9:
3-29-10:
3-29-11:
3-29-12:
3-29-13:
3-29-14:
3-29-15:
3-29-16:
3-29-17:
3-29-18:
3-29-19:
Definitions
Imposition Of Tax
Primary Liability For Tax
Declaration Forms
Deeds
Exempt Transactions
Exemptions
Revenue Stamps Required
Exempt Transaction Charge
Real Estate Transfer Declaration; Filing
Transfer In Trust
Lien Created; Enforcement
Enforcement; Suit For Collection
Interest And Penalties
Proceeds Of Tax
Penalty For Violation
Effective Date
Severability
Payment Of Delinquent Water And Sewer Charges
Payment Of Obligations
Any natural person, receiver, administrator,
executor, conservator, assignee, trust in
perpetuity, trust, estate, firm, copartnership,
joint venture, club, company, joint stock com-
pany, business trust, municipal corporation,
political subdivision of the state of Illinois,
domestic or foreign corporation, association,
syndicate, society or any group of individuals
acting as a unit, whether mutual, cooperative,
fraternal, nonprofit, or otherwise, and the
United States or any instrumentality thereof.
Whenever the term "person" is used in any
clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, the
term as applied to associations shall mean the
owners or part owners thereof, and as applied
to corporations, the officers thereof.
The recording of deeds with the office of the
recorder of deeds or the registration of deeds
with the registrar of titles of Cook County,
Illinois.
The amount of the full actual consideration for
any transfer covered hereunder, including the
amount of any mortgage or other lien assumed
by the grantee or purchaser. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-2:IMPOSITION OF TAX:A tax is imposed on the transfer of
title to real property located in the city as evidenced by the
recordation of a deed by any person or by the delivery of any deed or
assignment of interest of said real property, made after May 1, 1986,
whether investing the owner with the beneficial interest in or legal title to
said property or merely the possession or use thereof for any purpose or to
secure future payment of money or the future transfer of any such real
property.
(A) The tax imposed shall be five dollars ($5.00) for everyone thousand
dollar ($1,000.00) value or fraction thereof as stated in the
declaration.
(8)The term "deed" as used in this section shall mean all documents
transferring or reflecting the transfer of legal title, equitable title, or
both legal and equitable title to real property, or the beneficial
interest in a land trust. Delivery of any deed shall be deemed to have
occurred when the transferee or purchaser, or his representative or
agent, receives possession of the deed or in the case of a land trust
when the trustee receives possession of a valid assignment of a
beneficial interest. (Ord. 120-0-91)
3-29-3:PRIMARY LIABILITY FOR TAX:The primary liability for
payment of said tax shall be borne by the grantor or seller
involved in any such transaction unless otherwise negotiated by contract;
provided, however, it shall be unlawful for the grantee or purchaser to
accept a conveyance if the transfer tax has not been paid. If the tax has not
been paid and the stamps affixed to the deed, then the grantee's title shall
be subject to the lien provided in section 3-29-11 of this chapter and the
grantee or purchaser shall be'liable for payment of the tax. The tax herein
levied shall be in addition to any and all other taxes. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-4: DECLARATION FORMS:At the time the tax is paid, or an ex-
emption applied for, there shall also be presented to the
director of finance or his designee, on a form prescribed by him, a
declaration signed by at least one of the sellers or grantors and also signed
by at least one of the purchasers or grantees involved in the transaction, or
by their attorneys or agents, or by a licensed real estate salesperson or
broker having knowledge of the terms of the transaction, which declaration
shall state the full consideration for the property so transferred and shall be
deemed a confidential record by the city clerk. Where the declaration is
signed by an attorney, agent, licensed real estate salesperson or broker, on
behalf of sellers or buyers who have the power of direction to deal with the
title to the real estate under a land trust agreement, the trustees being the
mere repository of record legal title with a duty of conveying the real estate
only when and if directed in writing by the beneficiary or beneficiaries
having the power of direction, said attorney, agent, licensed real estate
salesperson, or broker need only identify the land trust which is the
repository of record legal title and not the beneficiary or beneficiaries
having the power of direction under the land trust agreement. (Ord.
33-0-86)
3-29-5: DEEDS: Every deed shall show the date of the transaction
which it evidences, the names of the grantor and grantee, and
a legal description of the property to which it relates. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-6: EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS: The tax imposed by this chapter
shall not apply to the following transactions, provided said
transaction in each case is accompanied by a certificate setting forth the
facts or such other certificate of record or sworn statement as the director
of finance may require at the time of filing of the declaration form:
(A) Transactions involving property acquired by or from any govern-
mental body;
(C) Transactions in which the deeds, without additional consideration,
confirm, correct, modify or supplement deeds previously recorded;
(D) Transactions in which the actual consideration covering the sale of
any owner occupied residential unit is less than fifty thousand dollars
($50,000.00) and the seller qualifies under section 8 housing
assistance payment program income guidelines of the U.S.housing
act of 1937, as amendedfrom time to time;
(E) Transactions in which the actual consideration is less than five
hundred dollars ($500.00);
(G) Transactions in which the deeds are releases of property which is
security for a debt or other obligation;
(I) Transactions made pursuant to mergers, consolidations, or transfers
or sales of substantially all of the assets of a corporation pursuant to
plans of reorganization;
(J)Transactions between subsidiary corporations and their parents for
no consideration other than the cancellation or surrender of the
subsidiary corporation's stock;
(K) Transactions representing transfers subject to the imposition of a
documentary stamp tax imposed by the government of the United
States; and
3-29-7:EXEMPTIONS:The taxes imposed by this chapter shall not
be imposed on or transferred by an executor or administrator
to a legatee, heir or distributee where the transfer is being made pursuant
to will or by intestacy. The tax imposed by this chapter shall further be
exempt where the transaction is effected by operation of law or upon
delivery or transfer in the following instances, provided, however, that a
declaration form is filed:
(B) From a minor to his guardian or from a guardian to his ward upon
attaining majority;
(C) From an incompetent to his conservator, or similar legal representa-
tive, or from a conservator or similar legal representative to a former
incompetent upon removalor disability;
(0) From a bank, trust company, financial institution, insurance company
or other similar entity, or nominee, custodian, or trustee therefor, to a
public officer or commission, or person designated by such officer or
commission or by a court, in the taking over of its assets, in whole or
in part, under state or federal law regulating or supervising such
institutions, nor upon redelivery or retransfer by any such transferee
or successor thereto;
(E) From a bankrupt or person in receivership due to insolvency to the
trustee in bankruptcy or receiver, from such receiver to such trustee
or from such trustee to such receiver, nor upon redelivery or
retransfer by any such transferee or successor thereto;
(F) From a transferee under subsections (A) through (E) of this section,
to his successor acting in the same capacity, or from one such
successor to another;
(G) From a foreign country or national thereof to the United States or
any agency thereof, or to the government of any foreign country
directed pursuant to the authority vested in the president of the
United States by section 5(b) of the trading with the enemy act1,as
amended, by the first war powers acf;
(H) From trustees to surviving, substitute, succeeding or additional
trustees of the same trust;
(I) Upon the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety to the
survivor or survivors. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-8:REVENUE STAMPS REQUIRED:The tax herein levied and
imposed shall be collected by the director of finance or his
designee for the city through the sale of revenue stamps, which shall be
caused to be prepared by said director of finance in such quantities and
denominations as said director of finance may from time to time prescribe.
Such revenue stamps shall be available for sale at and during the regular
business hours of the city offices or at other locations designated by the
director of finance. Upon payment of the tax herein levied and imposed, the
revenue stamps so purchased shall be affixed to the deed or other
instrument of conveyance. Any person so using and affixing a revenue
stamp or stamps shall cancel it and so deface it as to render it unfit for use
by marking it with his initials and the day, month and year when the affixing
occurs. Such markings shall be made by writing or stamping in indelible ink
or by perforating with a machine or punch. However, the revenue stamp(s)
shall not be so defaced as to prevent ready determination of its
denominationand genuineness. (Ord. 11-0-87,eff. 4-1-1987)
3-29-8-1:EXEMPT TRANSACTION CHARGE:An exempt stamp shall
be required for all real estate transfers which are exempt
pursuantto sections 3-29-6 and 3-29-7 of this chapter. There shall be a one
hundred dollar ($100.00) administrative charge for any exempt transaction
enumeratedin said sections 3-29-6 and 3-29-7 of this chapter. The property
owner shall be responsible for paymentof said charge. (Ord. 39-0-06)
1.40 Stat. 415.
2. 55 Stat. 839.
3-29-9: REAL ESTATE TRANSFER DECLARATION; FILING: A
signed copy of the real estate transfer declaration filed
pursuant to section 3 of the real estate transfer act of the state shall be
filed with the city clerk by the grantee of any deed or assignee of beneficial
interest within ten (10) days after delivery of the deed or assignment of
beneficial interest, or at the time of payment of the tax herein levied or
imposed, whichever first occurs. (Ord.33-0-86)
3-29-10: TRANSFER IN TRUST:No trustee of real estate shall accept
or acknowledge an assignment of beneficial interest in real
estate located in the city without first obtaining a real estate transfer
declaration from the assignor and assignee and unless revenue stamps in
the required amount, as set forth in this chapter, have been affixed to the
assignment. (Ord.33-0-86)
3-29-11: LIEN CREATED; ENFORCEMENT:In the event a deed is
filed for recordation or there is an assignment of beneficial
interest conveying real estate within the corporate limits of the city without
the revenue stamps provided by this chapter, a lien is declared against said
real estate conveyed in the amount of the tax. The fact that the deed or
assignment does not contain an Evanston revenue stamp in an amount
equal to five (5) times the amount of state transfer taxes shall constitute
constructive notice of lien. The lien may be enforced by proceedings to
foreclose, as in cases of mortgages or mechanic's liens. Suit to foreclose
this lien must be commenced within three (3) years after the date of
recording the deed. Nothing herein shall be construed as preventing the city
from bringing a civil action to collect the tax imposed by this chapter from
any person who has the ultimate liability for payment of the same, including
interest and penalties as hereinbelow provided. (Ord.33-0-86)
3-29-12: ENFORCEMENT; SUIT FOR COLLECTION:Whenever any
person shall fail to pay any taxes herein provided, or any
purchaser or grantee shall accept a conveyance where the tax has not been
paid, the city's corporation counsel shall, upon request of the city manager,
bring or cause to be brought an action to enforce the payment of said tax,
including interest and penalties as hereinbelow provided, on behalf of the
city in any court of competentjurisdiction. (Ord.33-0-86)
3-29-13: INTEREST AND PENALTIES:In the event of failure by any
person to collect and pay to the director of finance the tax
required hereunder when the same shall be due, interest shall accumulate
and be due upon said tax at the rate of one percent (1%)per month
commencing as of the first day following the day when the tax becomes
due. In addition, a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the tax and interest due
shall be assessed and collected against any person who shall fail to pay the
tax imposed by this chapter. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-14:PROCEEDS OF TAX:All proceeds resulting from the
imposition of the tax under this chapter, including interest and
penalties, shall be paid to the city and shall be credited to and deposited in
the general fund of the city. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-15:PENALTY FOR VIOLATION:In addition to the remaining
provisions of this chapter, any person found guilty in a court
of competent jurisdiction of violating, disobeying, omitting, neglecting or
refusing to comply with or resisting or opposing the enforcement of any
provision of this chapter, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a
fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) nor more than one
thousand dollars ($1,000.00). (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-16:EFFECTIVE DATE:These provIsions shall be in full force
and effect from May 1, 1986, provided, however, that these
provisions shall not apply to contracts for the transfer of title to real property
executed prior to April 1, 1986. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-17:SEVERABILITY:If any provIsion, clause, sentence,
paragraph, section or part of this chapter, or application
thereof to any person or circumstance, shall for any reason be adjudged by
a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, said
judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this chapter
and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, but
shall be confined in its operation to the provision, clause, sentence,
paragraph, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in
which such judgment shall have been rendered and to the person or
circumstances involved. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent of
the city council that this chapter would have been adopted had such
unconstitutional or invalid provisions, clause, sentence, paragraph, section
or part thereof not been included. (Ord. 33-0-86)
3-29-18:PAYMENT OF DELINQUENT WATER AND SEWER
CHARGES:The director of finance shall issue no transfer tax
stamps unless the city collector verifies that any delinquent water and
sewer assessments and penalties related thereto are paid in full, and
unless the declaration form contains information necessary for the billing
and collection of the final water and sewer assessment charges. (Ord.
33-0-86)
3-29-19: PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS: The director of finance shall
issue no transfer tax stamps unless the city collector verifies
that there are no unpaid judgments in favor of the city, water bills, liens, or
other sums due and owing to the city. (Ord. 58-0-09)
P6
National Endowment for the Arts Mayors Institute on
city Design 25th Anniversary Initiative
For City Council meeting of March 8, 2010 Item P6
Business of the City by Motion
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Administration and Public Works Committee
From: Douglas J. Gaynor / Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Subject: National Endowment for the Arts Mayors’ Institute on City Design 25th
Anniversary Initiative
Date: March 4, 2010
Recommended Action:
Staff requests authorization from City Council to submit a Letter of Intent to the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) regarding a matching grant opportunity through the
Mayors' Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative.
Funding Source:
If the Letter of Intent is approved by the NEA and the City of Evanston is invited to
submit a full proposal, the City will request a $50,000 grant from the National
Endowment for the Arts that would be matched with a $50,000 allocation from the
Washington National TIF district.
Summary:
Since 1986, the NEA’s Mayors' Institute on City Design (MICD), in cooperation with the
American Architectural Foundation and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, has helped
transform communities through design by preparing mayors to find innovative solutions
to the most critical urban design challenges facing our cities. One of the most exciting
design opportunities emanating from MICD, in tune with other design forces around the
nation, is the focus on place-making and creating pride and sustainable communities
around cities’ arts, culture, design and creative capital.
To build on the momentum created by MICD and spotlight the best sustainable living
projects, the NEA has announced the Mayors’ Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary
Initiative. Grants will be distributed to approximately 15 cities and range from $25,000
to $250,000. Eligible applicants for the NEA Mayors' Institute on City Design 25th
Anniversary Initiative are cities (or their non-profit designees) that have participated in
the Mayors' Institute on City Design during its 25-year history. The deadline for the
required letter of intent is March 15, 2010.
Memorandum
City staff recommends submitting a Letter of Intent for a $50,000 Grant Application to
support a feasibility study for conversion of the former Varsity Theater space at 1710
Sherman Avenue into a downtown performing arts center. If the project is selected by
the NEA reviewing panel to move forward in the process, staff would then submit the
formal application. Currently, the location has retail on the first floor with the large empty
space where the theatre once existed above. The theatre was once one of the largest
suburban movie houses built and remained a popular fixture in downtown Evanston
until it closed in approximately 1988. This grant funding would support an initial
conceptual design study for a new entry space and the renovation of the interior. An
operational feasibility study would also be conducted as part of this project. Staff has
met with the owner of the Varsity Theater space, who is supportive of this initiative, as is
Downtown Evanston (formerly EVMark) and the Evanston Arts Council. Total project
budget would be $100,000, of which $50,000 would be drawn from the Washington
National TIF to match the $50,000 NEA grant.
The scope of this proposed project would include:
1. General Market Study – examine the need/demand for theater space in
Evanston and the general region. This will also help us understand better the
types of users that might be able to occupy the space.
2. Architectural Study – a conceptual study on renovating and possibly
expanding the current space, including a study of how a side entry might work
in the alley and exploring the concept of tearing off the roof and building to the
maximum allowable building height to have a four-story structure.
3. Financial Study – take the market demand and architectural concepts and
develop a timeline/financial need study. Final outcome of this study will give
a preliminary detailed cost of construction and marketing, as well as potential
lease values.
4. Next Steps – detail the immediate and long-term steps to accomplish this
project. Help identify potential funding sources for construction/renovation of
the exterior.
5. Operational Business Plan – from all of the items, develop a business plan
that identifies potential tenants, lease structures, revenues, etc.
Alternatives:
If City Council does not support pursuing funding for a feasibility study for the Varsity
Theater development project, a second option would be to submit a letter of intent for a
$50,000 NEA grant for a public art project in the downtown Sherman Plaza TIF district
that would be matched by $85,000 in remaining TIF funds that have been allocated for
public art in the downtown Sherman Plaza TIF district. These funds have been carried
over after the 2007 completion of Takashi Soga’s Sea of the Ear Ring ’07 sculpture at
the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Davis Street. Possible project ideas include
utilizing artwork to enliven streetscapes within the TIF or the commission of an
additional sculpture that would be placed within the TIF district. Only one project may be
submitted for consideration for funding.
Attachments:
Letter from NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman
The Nancy Hanks Center
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506-0001
202/682-5400
www.arts.gov
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
You are receiving this letter because your organization is an NEA grantee that is located in a city eligible to
apply for the NEA’s newest funding initiative, the Mayor’s Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative.
Each city can only submit one application, so we encourage you to contact your local government to see if they
are planning to apply for this initiative and how you can be involved. If a project is not already underway, we
hope you will seek out partners to consider applying for this funding, such as foundations, arts organizations and
artists, design professionals and design centers, developers, business owners, and community organizations, as
well as public entities.
Since 1986, the Endowment’s Mayors' Institute on City Design (MICD), in cooperation with the American
Architectural Foundation and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, has helped transform communities through design
by preparing mayors to find innovative solutions to the most critical urban design challenges facing our cities.
One of the most exciting design opportunities emanating from MICD, in tune with other design forces around the
Nation, is the focus on place-making and creating pride and sustainable communities around cities’ arts, culture,
design and creative capital.
To build on the momentum created by MICD and spotlight the best sustainable living projects, the NEA is
announcing the Mayor’s Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative. Grants will be distributed to
approximately 15 cities and range from $25,000 to $250,000. Eligible applicants for the NEA Mayors' Institute
on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative are cities (or their non-profit designees) that have participated in the
Mayors' Institute on City Design during its 25-year history. The deadline for the required letter of intent is
March 15, 2010.
We are looking for projects that focus on one or more of these elements:
• design and design projects including enhancements of public spaces – such as parks, public buildings,
libraries, memorials, streets – through architecture and streetscapes.
• the revitalization of neighborhoods through adaptive reuse to create affordable housing for artists and
artist studios.
• innovative engagement in the arts through the transformation of community sites into unique public
space for cultural activities.
• partnerships among arts organizations, artists, design professionals and design centers, developers,
business owners, community organizations, and foundations.
All phases of a project – planning, development, design, and implementation – are eligible for support. Attached
is the full press release, the MICD25 Initiative Guidelines and a list of eligible cities. Please take a look at all
three and forward to any eligible city planner, city leadership or potential city designee who may be interested in
applying for this unique opportunity.
If you have any questions, please email us at MICD25@arts.gov or call 202-682-5091.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rocco Landesman
Chairman, NEA
End of Addendum