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Council approves up to $270,000 for Carnegie upgrades; nonprofit to steward early renovation work
Summary
Council authorized an MOU with the Lincoln Clay Arts Center nonprofit to perform Phase 1 building upgrades to the Carnegie Library building, authorizing funds not to exceed $270,000 and identifying the Lincoln Community Foundation as a fallback fiscal trustee.
The City of Lincoln approved a memorandum of understanding with the Lincoln Clay Arts Center nonprofit and authorized funding, not to exceed $270,000, to complete Phase 1 building upgrades to the Carnegie Library building in downtown Lincoln.
City staff and Economic Development Committee members presented a reuse study and a Phase 1 scope that focuses on making the Carnegie building safe and accessible for public occupancy. Phase 1 items include Americans with Disabilities Act access improvements, removal of unsafe exterior structures, replacement of aging HVAC units, interior repairs and other basic work to unlock the building for community uses.
Economic Development Committee member David Ricciello and consultants from AMS Planning and Research described the broader vision for the building as a clay arts center that would host classes, membership studios, small exhibitions and events tied to Lincoln’s ceramics heritage. Consultants estimated an operating model in which earned revenue from classes, memberships and modest rentals could cover a majority of operating costs over time, with contributed support for capital and initial operating gaps.
Council approved a motion to provide the Phase 1 funds to the nonprofit, with the Lincoln Community Foundation designated to hold funds in trust if the nonprofit could not complete the work. City staff will remain engaged on code compliance and inspections. Council voted yes on the motion; recorded yes votes included Council Member Ravey, Council Member Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem Brown and Mayor Andreotta.
City staff said the action funds only the initial improvements and does not commit the city to the nonprofit’s proposed full program; the nonprofit will be responsible for later capital fundraising and operating organization if the project proceeds. The council directed staff and the nonprofit to complete required contracts and inspections and return with progress reports as work proceeds.
