HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-29 - AGENDA REPORTS - SOUTHWEST MUSEUM RFP (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Aq and a tiers of tf ty Council
FROM:C v It Manager
DATE: September 29, 1993
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION TOPIC: SOUTHWEST MUSEUM REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
BACKGROUND
In July, 1993, the City received an Invitation to submit a letter of Intent to propose a new location
for the Southwest Museum. Founded In 1907 by Charles Lummis and the Southwest Society, the
Southwest Museum Is dedicated to the art and anthropology of Native American cultures, with an
emphasis on those of western North America. It is the oldest museum in Los Angeles. The
museum was first located In downtown Los Angeles, and moved to Its present location In Highland
Park in 1914. Its collections and 50,000 -volume research library are Internationally recognized.
According to the Request for Proposal, the museum's collections and services have outgrown its
existing buildings, and the Board of Directors have decided to find a site for a new facility In
southern California.
Staff was directed by the City Manager to submit a letter of Intent to the Museum, and sent the
attached letter in early August. Santa Clarita Is among approximately 160 communities that were
Invited to do so; the Museum staff have not released the number of letters that were received by
the August 15 deadline. Presently, the Board Is considering all the letters of intent, and will invite
a "short list" of communities to submit a detailed response to the Request for Proposals (RFP).
Staff visited the Southwest Museum In August, and Interviewed the executive director, Mr. Thomas
Wilson, to get a better understanding of the Museum's needs and expectations for a new location.
Mr._ Wilson emphasized that the Museum is seeking a site or existing building In a safe community
with good public access, space for a facility of approximately 100,000 square feet, sufficlent area
for parking, and nearby leisure -time destinations.
The City's letter of Intent offers two sites either owned by or to be dedicated to the city: the Civic
Center site, and the Valley Gateway site (40 acres of the latter will be dedicated as part of the
project approval). Other sites, may also be offered by private landowners. Costs to the City of
offering land or other incentives are not defined at this time.
If Santa Clarita is on the Museum's "short list", staff will prepare a proposal at Council direction.
The proposal will offer both the above sites; and will offer the City's facilitation for any other site
In private ownership. The proposal deadline was Initially November 1; Museum staff have Informed
us that the deadline Is likely to be extended to November 30, and that we will be notified by letter
of both the deadline and our selection. Staff Intends to present the proposal to Council at a regular
meeting In the near future, with a resolution to proceed.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss hem and direct staff to Initiate preparation of proposal to the
Southwest Museum If so invited and to return to Council for approval.
currenllewmsai.amk
Aga,
City of
Santa Clarita
Jan Heldt
Mayor
George Pederson
Mayor Pro -Tem
Carl Boyer
Councilmember
Jo Anne Darcy
Councilmember
JIII Klalic
Councilmember
23920 Valencia Bbd.
Suite 300
City of Santa Clarita
California 91355
August 5, 1993
Phone
(805) 259-2489
Fax
(805) 259.8125
Mr. Thomas H. Wilson
Southwest Museum
P.O. Box 41558
Los Angeles, California 90041-0558
RE: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR SOUTHWEST MUSEUM RELOCATION
Dear Mr. Wilson:
The City of Santa Clartta Is pleased to respond to your Invitation to propose a
new she for the Southwest Museum. Santa Clartta, incorporated In 1987, Is
located In the geographic center of the Santa Clarita Valley, approximately 35
miles north of downtown Los Angeles. We are a community of 147,000 residents,
and have been ranked the third safest city In the nation (of cities of more than
100,000 In population.)
Santa Clarita Is connected to metropolitan Los Angeles by the Antelope Valley
(State Route 14) and the Golden State (Interstate 5) freeways, as well as the
Metrolink commuter rail system. City bus service, Santa Clarita Transit, provides
transportation for all ages and abilities.
The first Inhabitants of the Santa Cladta Valley were Native Americans of the
Tataviam tribe, who migrated here In about 500 A.D., and ultimately Inhabited 22
semi-permanent villages. Several place names are still used which reflect the
Tatavlam culture: Castalc, Piru, and Hasley Canyon. The Santa Clarita Valley
Historical Society, as well as the staff and volunteers of the Placerfta Carlyon
State and County Park Nature Center, helps to maintain local awareness of the
valley's Native American heritage.
Santa Clartla has at least two sites to propose for the Museum's new location.
One site, in the City's 200 -acre "civic center" property, located southeast of the
Intersection of Bouquet Canyon and Soledad Canyon Roads, is near the
Metrolink station, and the city's new regional mall. The second site is within an
approximately 40 -acre parcel, to be dedicated to the City as part of a recently
approved business park project, south of the Intersection of the Antelope.Yalley
Freeway and San Fernando Road. This latter site Includes Beale's Cut, a State
Point of Historical Interest In Fremont Pass. A location map showing these two
sites Is attached.
Also enclosed is a selection of brochures describing Santa Clartta's
demographics, attractions, and business community.
We are looking forward to preparing a proposal for your conSlderatlon. The
rekwatlon of the Southwest Museum Is a monumental undertaking, and the City
of Santa Clarita would be honored to be the Museum's future home.
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