Arts center seeks lease extension to qualify for grants; council approves extension

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMC A) requested that the town extend its lease for the arts building beyond the current 2028 expiration so that the nonprofit can qualify for multi‑year grants to repair elevator failures and remedy water intrusion that followed Hurricane Helene.

John Hall (speaker 8), the interim executive director at BMC A, told the council the gallery, dance studio and theater have been hampered since the elevator stopped functioning safely after water intrusion. The center reported three bids for elevator repair and said many grantors require proof of a lease extending long enough to justify significant capital investments.

"Under the lease, it is the town's responsibility. The elevator is the town's responsibility," Hall told the council, asking that the standard five‑year extension be exercised so the center could move forward with fundraising and grant applications such as TDA and others. Councilors said the extension would help the nonprofit pursue large repairs and reduce liability by improving accessibility. The council voted in favor of extending the lease to 2033.

Why it matters: Restoring the arts center’s elevator and making the facility ADA-compliant affects access for residents and the center’s ability to secure grant funding for capital repairs. Council members framed the vote as supporting a community arts institution and enabling fundraising collaboration.

Next steps: The center and town staff will coordinate grant applications and a repair plan; staff and council noted the town retains responsibility for the building’s capital repairs under the lease.