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Staff Report to Redevelopment Commission
Authorization for Installation of Orchestra Pit Lift at Morris Performing Arts Center
Prepared 7/20/12
The Redevelopment Commission is being asked to allow the installation of an orchestra
pit lift at the Morris Park Performing Arts Center. The Redevelopment Commission has
the authority to authorize these alterations in accordance with the terms of a lease for the
property between the Redevelopment Commission (Lessee) and the Redevelopment
Authority (Owner) entered into May 1, 1997. Section 8 of that lease follows in its
entirety.
Section 8. Alterations: Lessee shall have the right, without the consent of the
Authority, to make all alterations, modifications and additions and to do all
improvements it deems necessary or desirable to the Project, which do not reduce the
rental value of the Project.
The attached letter, from the Morris Park Performing Arts Center and Morris
Entertainment, Inc., states this project is fully funded in the amount of $210,000 by
private funds, including matching funds from the Community Foundation. Additionally,
the letter indicates the City's Board of Public Works will serve as the contracting agent
and the City Engineering Department will oversee the project.
Since there are sufficient funds to complete the project and since the City will oversee
contracting and construction, these alterations to the Morris will not reduce the rental
value of the Project. Accordingly, staff recommends Redevelopment Commission
approval.
July 16, 2012
Redevelopment Commission
City of South Bend
JUL 19 ? ^i1
Morris Entertainment, Inc. hereby seeks approval to purchase and have installed an orchestra pit lift
inside the theater. The agreement to perform the work on this project was initiated over twenty years ago
between the City of South Bend and Morris Entertainment, Inc., a 501[c] 3 corporation. The project has
the full support of the management of the Morris Performing Arts Center.
The original major restoration/renovation begun on December 31, 1998, reopening the venue in February
of 2000 did not include a new orchestra pit lift due to the lack of available funds. The orchestra pit lift
project is estimated at $210,000.00. Morris Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to report that it has raised all
funds necessary to fully finance this final restoration/renovation project, including a matching grant from
the Community Foundation of Saint Joseph County, Indiana. Research has been completed on orchestra
pit lifts and we are satisfied that the Serapid brand will meet all the requirements and needs of the Moms.
Therefore, we seek approval to proceed with the purchase and installation of a new orchestra pit lift. We
also wish the Board of Public Works to serve as our agent and the City's Engineering Department to
oversee the project. The project will be fully funded by Morris Entertainment, Inc. A Letter of
Understanding between Morris Entertainment, Inc. and the City of South Bend will be executed upon the
Redevelopment Commission's approval of the project. Thank you for your prompt attention to this
matter.
Sincerely,
AVInDreyerL/
s Entertainment, Inc.
Dennis J. s
Executive Director, Morris Performing Arts Center