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Politics & Government

Structural Review of Interim Center for the Arts Gets $5K Go-Ahead

A city-funded analysis of the building, located on Monterey Street, will help determine the cost of upgrades needed to maximize the Gilroy Arts Alliance's use of the facility.

The interim might have a few upgrades in its future, thanks to a recent vote by the passing a $5,000 budget amendment to fund a structural analysis of the site.

The center, located on Monterey Street, is in sore need of improvements, city staff told the council during its June 18 meeting.

Currently, the site can only accommodate 49 people, staff reported, making it difficult for the Gilroy Arts Alliance to use the space appropriately for things like performances.

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During a May 30 meeting between city staff, the organization and members of the public, attendees learned that funding for a dedicated arts and cultural center is many years away.

Until then, staff said, the city and Arts Alliance hope to make the most of the interim space. That means performing fire safety upgrades, meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards, installing more restrooms and conducting a structural retrofit, which staff said would be the most costly improvement.

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The $5,000, approved with a 6-0 vote, will go towards hiring an engineer to perform a structural analysis for the site. The analysis will then be used to determine how much upgrades will cost and if any others are needed.

The council's vote ostensibly granted staff permission to hire an engineer with Biggs Cardosa, a structural engineering firm, to conduct the review. Since the firm is already under contract with the city, staff said it would be more expeditious to hire this firm then to go through contract negotiations with another.

Staff said they anticipate having the analysis before the council's eyes at their August 6 meeting.

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