THE WAC CAPITAL CAMPAIGN:
Any individual wishing to learn more can:
1. Have a private presentation in their home
2. Receive a packet of information by mail
3. Pick up information to take home
4. E-mail questions to Pat Beckmann at
patbeckmann@wasecaartscouncil.org
Please phone 835-1701 and leave a message to arrange for any of the above.
The WAC has been seeking more space since the 1990’s. It was always a desire to add space to the present facility because our location is convenient and very visible. Trowbridge Park adds aesthetic appeal and the association with the library has been wonderful. But after many years of working on different options the City closed the final door when it voted against any addition.
When the Driessen property came up for sale, it presented a viable option having several of the same assets as the present space. After months of investigation, negotiation on Driessen property, the Chance Bar failed to sell at auction, presenting another option.
The original Waseca Mutual Building (Chance Bar) was in terrible condition when we first looked at it. Many birds had gotten in through an unsealed opening and unable to escape were making a huge mess. A lot of garbage was strewed on each floor, and a large recreational Jacuzzi was half full of water. There were few lights working, so it was not pleasant checking out the spaces without windows. However our experts agreed the building was sound and dry. If all worked out well, early estimates figured about $400,000 to purchase and remodel and be in by late spring of 2011.
Over the next few months, more and more discoveries were made. All plumbing and electrical needs to be replaced. The roof is beginning to leak near the elevator shaft, there is a sizable asbestos issue, and the elevator does not meet current codes. So what started out as a small remodel project has turned into a major renovation. The building is desperately in need of much tender loving care if it is to survive. To bring the building up to be the desirable city center attraction planned, costs approached $1,250,000. The WAC Board worked very hard providing programs to clubs and organizations, and individual meetings.
The WAC had a important new development on the capital campaign in February. After a presentation to the City by WAC President Kent Schultz and Pat Beckmann, Mayor Srp suggested writing a letter to MN Gov. Mark Dayton, City Manager Crystal Prentice offered to write a resolution of support and John Clemons suggested a 3-prong approach: The resolution, “prodding’ Gov. Dayton, and writing letters to State Rep. Kory Kath and State Sen. Mike Parry asking for their support on the project in the state bonding bill. Additional support for the campaign came from Waseca County News with an editorial of support reinforcing that a downtown art center would revitalize, increase pedestrian traffic, and enhance the cultural and educational opportunities in Waseca.
The WAC also worked with Sen Mike Parry on a bill written to the Legislature concerning funds from the Arts & Heritage appropriations to acqure capital funding for the project.
In early summer of 2011, all efforts at the State level, failed and the WAC realized the need to drop interest in the original Waseca Mutual building.
Across the street, at 200 North State St. is the original J.C. Penney building, becoming the third viable building suitable for a new facility. After a couple months of negotiations an acceptable price has been reached on purchase of this building. Although some 50 years older than the building across the street, the Penney building is in far better condition, with a six year old roof, new windows, and three open floors. Slightly smaller than the other building, it is still an acceptable size, and the corner location in downtown Waseca offers great visibility. Unfortunately, the owner of the building had a 10 year City improvement loan which had not expired, so that owner had requested the loan be transferred to the WAC, so the sale can continue.
That loan has been transferred, and the WAC has closed on the property, as of Nov. 15, 2011!
Funds are needed to continue the renovate and remodeling.
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WASECA ARTS COUNCIL, INC.
FACILITY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 2011
Waseca Arts Council Overview
Mission Statement
To provide the people of the greater Waseca County Area opportunities
to experience diverse creative arts essential to a healthy community
Organization programs and services
- Monthly art exhibitions at the Waseca Art Center
- Club Picasso for children
- Summer Art Camp for children
- Regional High School Exhibition & Workshop Day
- ArtNews monthly newsletter
- Picture Parade Art Appreciation Series in Waseca and area School Districts
- Gallery Guide and Awesome Art cable TV shows
- Adult Drawing Group
- Art Appreciation Group
- Art Center Library and Resource Center
- Organized cultural trips
- Gift Shop
- Permanent collection rotation in Waseca Businesses
- Art Education Video Loan Program
- Annual theatre performance or concert
- Annual Christmas Housewalk
- Annual High School Scholarship to county arts student
Support of WAC by Community and Foundations
- Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council
- Waseca County
- City of Waseca
- E.F. Johnson Foundation
- Waseca Area Foundation
- Paid Membership of 177 in 2010
- Waseca Arts Council, Inc. is an IRS registered 501© tax-exempt organization
WAC Capital Project Proposal
Waseca Arts Council has acquired the former J.C. Penney property at 200 State St. North. The WAC will restore the exterior, and completely rebuild the interior to be used as a community gathering center and new home for The Waseca Art Center. Work on renovation well progress as funds are available, beginning with the downstairs and first floor. Present plan is for a grand opening in early summer of 2012, with the first floor and basement as complete as possible.
Proposed Facility Detail
The first floor will be a multifunctional community gathering place. Immediately inside the door there will be a reception area and a general public lobby. Tables and chairs next to a beverage corner will invite visitors to relax and enjoy the glass front view onto State Street. The large primary exhibition gallery will feature changing exhibitions, and the permanent collection will be displayed as well. A gift shop and restrooms will complete the spacious main floor interior.
The second floor will house a large auditorium, with a stage. This space will seat over 100 people. Two or three studio rooms on second floor will be available for rental for artists or music teachers. A new grand staircase needs to be added and a new passenger elevator before second floor is ready for occupancy. This will occur as soon as funds become available.
The lower level (basement) will be used for classroom, education space and storage.
Why This Project Is Needed
- Lack of space for art students to create art
- A more spacious and flexible exhibition space to properly display art
- Current facility lacks restrooms
- Insufficient storage for ongoing student art projects and the permanent collection
- Inadequate working space for staff
- No place for meetings and weekly arts groups to meet.
- Lack of space limits educational classes
- No space for WAC art library
- Small area allocated to gift shop restricts WAC’s ability to raise revenue
- Provide Waseca young people a healthy outlet for creative energy and positive recognition
- Current space limits ability to attract highest quality state artists
- The WAC seeks to further its impact on the quality of life in this community and enhance the perception of Waseca as a very special place via a highly visible and attractive arts facility in a conveniently accessible downtown location
- Keep the caliber of the community high by giving continuing proof of its cultivation of the arts through endorsing a new expanded art center.
Benefits to Community
• Revitalizes a wonderful downtown building
• Serves as an anchor for downtown vitality and increase downtown pedestrian traffic
• Enhance cultural offering of Community
• Create an exciting spot in which to view and learn about art
• Expansion of educational programs and opportunities
• Facility for small concerts or performances
• Venue for music lessons and recitals
• Furnish a place for children’s dance and other child-centered activities
• Provide local and state artists with a top notch environment in which to show their art in our community
• Private and business reception space
• When linked in the public mind with specialty boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, lakes, and the water park the art center serves as one more reason to attract visitors to spend leisure time in Waseca
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WASECA ARTS COUNCIL, INC
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
PLEDGE FORM
Date:
I, __________________________ do hereby pledge to support the Waseca Arts Council, Inc. project as follows:
$_________________one time gift
$_________________to be given each year for a three year period beginning before Dec. 31, 2011, for a total gift of $______________________.
These funds are to be used by the Waseca Arts Council, Inc. for purchase and renovation of 200 State St. N. in Waseca, Minnesota.
_______________________________
Signature
Name___________________________
Address_________________________
City____________________________State_________ Zipcode____________________
e-mail address___________________________________________________________
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Information on pledging
Individuals desiring to contribute to this important campaign may make a one time gift or a three year pledge.
Pledges will be for the years 2011-2013.
People making a three year pledge will be asked for their first gift immediately and will then be billed in 2012, and 2013.
Gifts will be accepted at any time, however it is most desired that they be in or made known soon.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE UNTIL BUILDING REMODELING AND RENOVATION IS COMPLETE.
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