STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Economic and Neighborhood Vitality
AGENDA DATE: May 27, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Historic Preservation
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Eric A. Johnson
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the (1) acceptance of four grants from Preservation Dallas to fund the historic buildings survey and historic thematic context assessment through the City of Dallas in the amount of $95,000.00 for the period not to exceed twenty months; (2) receipt and deposit of grant funds in an amount not to exceed $95,000.00 in the Preservation Dallas Grant Fund; (3) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $95,000.00 in the Preservation Dallas Grant Fund; and (4) execution of a grant agreement with Preservation Dallas and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $95,000.00 - Financing: Preservation Dallas Grant Funds
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BACKGROUND
Preservation Dallas is a nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the city’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and places. Preservation provides education about historic preservation and places, documents the city’s history through surveys and research, partners with local and national organizations to advocate for historic preservation, and seeks solutions for endangered properties.
Preservation Dallas participated in the Downtown Historic Preservation Task Force in 2015 and the subsequent Preservation Solutions Committee. The Task Force identified nine recommendation to improve preservation program in Dallas. One of the recommendations was to conduct a downtown survey to provide a “base-layer for direction, to establish preservation priorities, and to provide a tool for existing and future planning.” The Task Force encouraged exploring funding sources other than general funds.
The Preservation Solutions Committee (PSC) was formed from the Task Force recommendations. Members of the PSC have explored funding sources and have submitted proposals to a variety of foundations to garner partial funding for the survey.
Preservation Dallas has accepted four grants in the amount of $95,000.00 to help fund the survey. The Summerlee Foundation awarded $50,000.00; Downtown Dallas, Inc. awarded $15,000.00; the Hoblitzelle Foundation awarded $25,000.00; and the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded $5,000.00. Preservation Dallas will give the grant funds to the City of Dallas to leverage the $100,000.00 of City funds for the survey.
The Survey will provide a historic thematic context assessment and survey of Greater Downtown Dallas. The survey will conduct a comprehensive reconnaissance field survey of the Downtown area and provide thematic context statements. Context statements may include themes such as downtown plans; railroads, street cars, and motor trolleys; modern architecture, or tourism development.
The historic thematic context assessment and survey will provide updated National Register information regarding contributing structures within City historic districts, assist with building identification as part of the City’s demolition delay districts, and be a starting point towards an updated City of Dallas preservation plan.
The consultant will host an informational presentation to inform the public of the survey efforts and gather stories and historical documents that may inform the context statements. The consultant will submit a final report and copies of photographs, database files, maps, and research supporting the final report
The Greater Downtown area includes properties within Council Districts 2 and 14. The survey will be comprehensive and not be separated by Council District. The survey needs to look at the area cohesively to develop the historical thematic contexts which are not divided by districts and can be used in areas surrounding the Greater Downtown area as funding becomes available.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Economic Development Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on May 4, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Preservation Dallas Grant Funds |
FY 2020 |
FY 2021 |
Future Years |
|
Summerlee Foundation |
$50,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Hobiltzell Foundation |
$25,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Downtown Dallas, Inc. |
$15,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
National Trust for Historic Preservation |
$ 5,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$95,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |