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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMJCIP Apps (36)RRRCITY OF PALM SPRINGS MEASURE J COMMUNITY INITIATED PROJECTS APPLICATION FORM Name of Applicant: Michael Shaw Date Submitted: 9/29/2024 Applicant Type: Non-Profit Organization Name of Organization: Dezart Performs If yes, provide IRS ID# Tell us about your project: 1.Project Name: Dezart Performs-The Next Stage: Converting a Church into a Theatre 2.Project Address: 6205 S. Riverside Drive, Palm Springs 3.Project Type: Grant 4.This project improves: Business Community, Historic Preservation, The Economy, Tourism, Other: Arts and Cultural Opportunities 5. What demographic(s) does this project serve? Children/Students, Entire Palm Springs Community, Individuals with Disabilities, LGBTQ+, Seniors 6. Estimated project cost: $989,000.00 7. Short description of proposed project. Established in 2008, Dezart Performs is known as a first-class professional theatre company – the only Equity theatre in Palm Springs. We are known for producing bold, thought-provoking, contemporary theatre. Every year our audience grows –to the point that we have long since outgrown our current home. After launching a capital campaign in May 2022, we are in the process of purchasing the First Church of Christ, Scientist, to convert into a beautiful 150-seat theater. Designed by esteemed Modernist architect Albert Frey, our goal is to safeguard the historic integrity of the church by preserving its original architectural elements and foundational characteristics, ensuring that its historical essence remains intact for future generations. We will convert the interior into a fully functioning theater, with an adequate back stage area, dressing rooms, a rehearsal hall, offices, lobby and box office. Applicant’s information: Name of Contact Person: Michael Shaw Contact Person’s Phone Number:(310) 489-4373 Contact Person’s Email Address: michael.shaw@dezartperforms.org From:Gailya Brown To:Melissa Sanchez Cc:Clark Dugger; Michael Shaw Subject:Measure J Supplementary Materials Date:Saturday, December 21, 2024 4:23:35 PM Attachments:measure_J_addendum_REV3.pdf NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Melissa, On behalf of Dezart Performs, I am so pleased to present the attached supplemental materials in support of our application for a Measure J grant. Please call or email me any time if you have questions. Have a very Happy Holiday! Gailya -- Gailya Brown Director of Development Dezart Performs 818-430-6807 DEZART PERFORMS – THE NEXT STAGE: CONVERTING A CHURCH INTO A THEATRE MEASURE J SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION DEZART PERFORMS – THE NEXT STAGE: CONVERTING A CHURCH INTO A THEATRE Detailed Project Narrative Dezart Performs is very grateful for this opportunity to submit supplementary materials that were not included in our original application. This is especially opportune since so much has happened since we submitted the original proposal at the end of September. Just to recap, Dezart Performs has acquired the First Church of Christ, Scientist building at 605 S. Riverside Dr., Palm Springs with the intention to convert it into a 125-150-seat professional theatre. This is a 6,100 sq. ft. cinder block and concrete building designed by esteemed Modernist architect, Albert Frey. Below is a brief summary of the status of the building and our plans for converting the former church into a theatre: •Palm Springs resident and television writer/producer David C. Lee pledged $500,000 to support this project -- $200,000 towards the down payment (to be matched by additional private donations), plus $300,000 payable over three years to help cover the cost of mortgage payments. We raised the matching funds within two weeks, and contributed $100,000 from our existing capital campaign funds to cover the $500,000 down payment. •In November, we conducted preliminary inspections of the building’s infrastructure – roof, HVAC, electric, plumbing. All reports were very positive. The building is in excellent condition, with minor repairs needed on the roof and updates in power and plumbing that will need to be made to accommodate the demands of a professional theatre. •Hired architect Susan Secoy-Jensen as architect-of-record. Ms. Secoy-Jensen specializes in preservation and adaptive reuse projects and her high-profile assignments can be found throughout Palm Springs and elsewhere. Dezart Performs was referred to her by every architecture and preservation group we approached for recommendations. •Contracted with Theatre DNA, theatre consultants from Los Angeles, who will address all of the theatre-specific design, construction and equipment issues for the conversion of the church into a theatre. •December 6, 2024 – Closed on the purchase of the building. Working with our Project Manager, Randy Fullerton, and a committee consisting of staff and volunteers from our board, we have identified various modifications to the infrastructure, such as: •Install a security system consisting of cameras and alarms. (done) •Install smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. •Upgrade electrical throughout to meet code and additional needs as a theatre •Assess current electrical panels and upgrade •Explore the option of installing solar roof panels •Upgrade plumbing to include hot water. While it is still too early in the conversion process to have renderings of the building and proposed changes, we have attached a floorplan that illustrates how we intend to use the space, converting, for example, the Sunday School Room into a Rehearsal Room/Green Room, and the various readers’ and soloists’ rooms at the back of the building into actor dressing rooms. The restrooms must be updated and made ADA compliant. The current pulpit area will be greatly expanded into an professional-caliber stage that will accommodate a wide range of productions. New theatrical lighting will be installed. BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR DEZART PLAYHOUSE COSTS INCURRED TO DEVELOP PREVIOUS LOCATION IN CATHEDRAL CITY Architects: Robert Rotman $2,000 Jim Cioffi $5,000 KAP Studios $25,000 Renders and other visuals $11,000 Theater Design Consultant $18,150 Preliminary surveys by various vendors $11,400 Marketing, including brochures, events, dinners $29,000 TOTAL EXPENSES AT PRIOR LOCATION:$101,550 ESTIMATES FOR NEW LOCATION IN PALM SPRINGS Architect (Susan Secoy-Jensen) (Phases I, II and III)$36,000 Architect (Phases IV, V and VI)$114,000 Architectural Preservation Consultant $10,000 Theater Design Consultant $30,000 Interior Designer $20,000 Renders and other visuals $10,000 Project Manager $50,000 Contractor $60,000 Sub-contractors (electrical, plumbing, dry wall, etc.)$280,000 Theatrical Lighting and Grid Materials and equipment $300,000 Seating, furniture $85,000 Switching Controls for theatrical lights $25,000 Structural Materials $55,000 Misc Materials and equipment $25,000 Permits $50,000 Insurance $10,000 SUB-TOTAL ESTIMATES FOR PALM SPRINGS LOCATION:$1,160,000 10% Contingency:$116,000 TOTAL ESTIMATES FOR PALM SPRINGS LOCATION:$1,276,000 FUNDING Total Pledges & Gifts to date $783,804 Pledge Payments and gifts received to date $557,839 Funds dispersed - prior location -$101,550 Funds dispersed - down payment on 605 S. Riverside Dr.-$100,000 Cash in hand $356,289 Additional pledge payments due by 9/1/2025 $77,000 Total cash in hand and pledges due by 9/1/2025 (not counting new commitments)$433,289 Grant from Measure J $250,000 TOTAL FUNDING:$683,289 FUNDS NEEDED TO COMPLETE PROJECT:$592,711 TOTAL EXSTIMATED COST:$1,276,000 DEZART PERFORMS – THE NEXT STAGE: CONVERTING A CHURCH INTO A THEATRE DEZART PERFORMS – THE NEXT STAGE: CONVERTING A CHURCH INTO A THEATRE HO US E R EHE ARSAL H AL L/GREEN ROOM S TAGE LOBBY E NTRANCE PATI O WOMAN’S BR MEN’S BR MEN’S & WOMA NS BR PR OPO S ED R E USE OF RO O M S DEZ ART PER FO RMS – THE N EXT S TA G E: CON V ERT ING A C HUR CH I NTO A THEATRE ORGAN (TO BE REMOVED) ACTO R DRE S SING ROO MS EVENT P REP ROOM STOR AGE TBD BO ARDROOM DEZART PERFORMS – THE NEXT STAGE: CONVERTING A CHURCH INTO A THEATRE Additional Information We are mindful of the historic nature of this property and will safeguard its historic integrity by preserving its original architectural elements and character-defining features, ensuring it remains intact as much as possible for future generations. To that end, we have begun working with local preservationist groups, such as Palm Springs Modernism Committee, who have offered their expertise in identifying key Modernist elements worthy of preservation. In addition, members of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will be touring the building on December 20, along with the Chief Curator and the Architecture & Design archivist for the Palm Springs Art Museum. On January 14, Members of the Palm Springs Architectural Alliance will also tour the facility. (Two of its directors showed enthusiastic support when we announced the purchase at our season launch party.) The Palm Springs Art Museum’s Executive Director and Chief Curator requested places on future tours. And on February 1, William Kopelk, Modernism Week Board Chair, and Mark Davis, head of Modernism Week Auditorium Programs, Travel Program, and Annual Auction will tour the Playhouse. On October 9, 2024, Artistic Director Michael Shaw, President Clark Dugger and Director of Development Gailya Brown met with Wayne Olson, Palm Springs’ Chief Economic Development Officer, to describe the project and how we feel it will be an asset to the city. He was very receptive, not just of our plans for the building, but also enthusiastic about a high caliber professional theatre that can be a vital resource for the city’s vision to make Palm Springs the center for the arts in the Coachella Valley. We have had subsequent meetings with him and others at the city, including Sarah Yoon, the city’s Historic Preservation Officer. We also respect the importance of being a good neighbor. On November 16, two of our Board members addressed the annual meeting of the Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood Organizations, taking questions and establishing a relationship. We see the Dezart Playhouse as a cultural resource for the entire region, providing performance space, rehearsal space, and event/meeting space to our fellow performing artists, schools, churches, businesses and individuals. We have already been approached by cabaret artists seeking ways to partner with Dezart Performs in presenting unique programming when we are not in production. Because the building is designed for year-round use, we expect to have an active summer schedule, with youth workshops, cabaret and comedy nights, and other types of programming. Finally, we cannot overstate the importance of theatre to building a sense of community and connecting with those who feel unseen and unheard. Each season, we offer plays with the Palm Springs audience in mind, plays that address LGBT issues, race, identity, alienation, and the cultural challenges of 21st Century America. Since these plays resonate with all audiences, we are attracting more audiences from down valley, and also visitors to the city, than every before. At a time when the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared that we have a crisis of loneliness, theatre offers solutions. In a recent “On the Stage” blog post during Mental Health Week, it was reported that “theatre can improve mental wellbeing, one performance at a time…It creates community…offers representation…teaches empathy…inspires hope…[and] sparks open communication.” During every season, our patrons tell us that we have provided this type of connection for them. With the new Dezart Playhouse, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the people of this region.