CPC recommends $200,000 for Firehouse Center elevator after debate over contingency and timing

The Community Preservation Committee recommended $200,000 in CPC funds for an elevator replacement at the Firehouse Center for the Arts after a divided discussion over the project’s cost and the committee’s available funds.

Valerie Raj, who identified herself as a board member of the Firehouse Center, told the committee the elevator is more than 30 years old and is the facility’s only ADA-compliant access to the theater, upper-level performance spaces and public restrooms. "It is the only ADA compliant access that we have in the building," she said, describing repeated failures and a failed inspection last December.

The project team presented a vendor selection and a contract for major elevator work; they said the full project cost is about $400,000 plus contingency and that the organization has raised roughly $266,000 to date and secured a foundation match of up to $200,000. The applicant requested $200,000 from CPC to complete the funding package.

Members debated whether to award the full $200,000 now or a partial award while the group continues fundraising. Some members said the ask represents more than 10% of available CPC funds for the cycle and urged caution so other pending applications could be fairly considered. Others emphasized the time-sensitive nature of the elevator repairs, the risk to accessibility and that matching funds are available.

A roll-call vote recorded five members in favor and three opposed; the motion passed and the committee’s recommendation will go to City Council for final action.

Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to City Council along with any conditions the CPC recorded.