Discussion and possible action to approve a one-time budget appropriation in the amount of $30,000 from the General Fund contingency account to the Office of Communication – Other Professional Services account for a “Pop Up Peoria” public/private storefront collaboration at the Park West Mall, located at 9744 West Northern Avenue, Suite #1750, Building E.

In December 2019, city staff began conversations with Commercial Investment Real Estate (CIRE) Equity regarding the possible use of existing, vacant, space for community programs and services, at the Park West Mall. After lengthy conversation and a delay caused by COVID, CIRE recently informed the City that it has identified a 1,470 square foot site along the main boulevard that will become vacant by the end of this calendar year. 

If approved by the City Council, funding of this concept will allow for the City, ASU E+I, and The Grande Shoppe (a collection of Peoria Artisans and entrepreneurs) to program the space with community-based activities. The Grande Shoppe will manage and operate the pop-up retail space for the duration of the agreement; while the City and ASU will schedule programing at the site (i.e. - sustainability classes, library story times, neighborhood watch & neighborhood training, Code 101, etc.). Part of the agreement would include community art-related classes and a creation of makerspace at no cost.  Additional monthly events might be book signings, author “meet & greets”; donations from vendors and the Grand Shoppe to assist needy families in local schools and St. Mary’s Foodbank; donated gift cards and products for charity events; mentoring of youth artist interns to give retail and business training and experience, as well as giving them a place to create. Additionally, the Park West Mall is also the site of a pending “POGO Phase II” route stop beginning April 2021 and will actually stop directly across from the site of the Pop Up Peoria storefront. This will be instrumental in routing residents to the Park West if they want to attend a function at the Pop Up site or to shop or dine at the mall. 

The proposed Pop Up Peoria hours of operation will be Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Friday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; and Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.  There are no part-time staff expenses related to these hours of operation, as the Grande Shoppe has agreed to staff the site during public hours of operation. 

The space is valued by Park West $60,000/year and they will provide it to the City, rent-free, as long as the site is used for a community/public purpose. They are also providing the City with a $1,000 stipend to paint the space, once the current occupant relocates to a different location at Park West. Under the terms of the agreement, the City will have a few ongoing expenses – i.e. - utilities, Wi-Fi, custodial; in addition to a few one-time minor capital expenses such as special signage and furnishings. It is important to note that because it is leasable space, there is always the possibility that it may be rented out; however, should that occur, Park West has committed to finding an alternate site for Pop Up Peoria.  As a result, the site will be staged and equipped with easy to move furniture, displays and any signage, should this occur prior to end of the twelve-month lease.

These one-time expenses are estimated to be approximately $30,000 and staff is requesting a transfer in the same amount from the General Fund contingency account to the Office of Communications Other Professional Services account.

A: City Council could act to approve the Pop-Up Peoria concept at Park West with proposed appropriation of $30,000 from General Fund contingency to the Office of Communications.

B: City Council could decline to approve the Pop-Up Peoria concept at Park West with proposed appropriation of $30,000 from General Fund contingency to the Office of Communications.

Staff recommends approval of the Pop-Up Peoria concept at Park West and a budget transfer of $30,000 from the General Fund contingency account (1000-0300-570000) to the Office of Communication – Other Professional Services account (1000-0040-520099).

The cost for the City of Peoria to participate is one dollar ($1.00) for FY 2021. However, one-time improvements up to $30,000 to the space and purchase of equipment/furniture will be required. The city is also responsible for the monthly utilities and janitorial services.