Title
Lease at McGill Rose Garden
Action
Action:
A. Adopt a resolution authorizing a lease agreement with McGill Rose Garden, Inc. for lease of approximately 1.36 acres of property located at 940 North Davidson Street (parcel identification number 081-086-02), and
B. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute all documents necessary to complete the leasing of the green space.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Phil Reiger, General Services
Greg Crawford, General Services
Explanation
§ McGill Rose Garden, Inc. proposes to lease the property as a public park offering its greenspace as a garden for gatherings, art, and horticulture projects as well as a venue for weddings and other events.
§ The lease terms include:
- A five-year term, with one option to renew for an additional five years;
- Rent in the amount of $1 annually;
- Tenant shall have the right to sublease a portion of the property upon the city’s approval;
- Tenant will pay all costs associated with any improvements and maintenance of the property, including insurance; and
- Tenant will provide annual performance reporting to include metrics that demonstrate community outreach opportunities, partnerships, fundraising activities, and other investments and contributions to the neighborhood.
Background
§ Henry and Helen McGill purchased the coal and ice yard at North Davidson Street and East 13th Street in 1950 and, to beautify an industrial area, began planting roses on the property. The garden opened to the public in 1967 on Mother’s Day.
§ In 1976, the city purchased the property for additional greenspace as part of the First Ward Urban Renewal Area Redevelopment Project. McGill Rose Garden was designated as only one of four American Rose Society gardens in North Carolina and one of 53 in the entire United States.
§ In 1995, McGill Rose Garden, Inc. was formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, establishing an independent Board of Directors. McGill Rose Garden, Inc. agreed to lease the property from the city in 1996 and has continued to lease since that time.
§ Adjacent to the garden and venue is a coffee and wine bar. This addition, and the revenue generated, helps support garden operations, improvements, and maintenance.
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Resolution
Map