TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Mills Act historic property contract with the owners of the Art Theatre at 2025 East 4th Street. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
The Mills Act, enacted by State Law in 1972, allows local governments to enter into tax abatement contracts with property owners of historic structures. Property owners agree to restore, maintain and preserve the property in accordance with specific historic preservation standards and conditions identified in the contract. Entering into a Mills Act contract results in a property tax reassessment by the County Assessor using the income-capitalization method, which may result in a 30 to 50 percent reduction in property tax.
On August 8, 2016, the Cultural Heritage Commission recommended the City Council approve a Mills Act historic property contract with the owners of the Art Theatre (Exhibit A). The Art Theatre building, located at 2025 E. 4th Street, was originally constructed in 1924 in the Spanish Revival style and was known as the Carter Theatre. After being damaged by the Long Beach earthquake of 1933, the building was remodeled in the Art Deco style. As part of the 1933 remodel, a freestanding ticket booth was installed in the exterior lobby area. Following the earthquake and remodel, the building was renamed the Lee Theatre. It later became the Art Theatre in the late 1940’s and was designated as a Historic Landmark in 1992.
The Art Theatre is a treasured 1924 Schilling & Schilling (with Hugh Gibbs) Art Deco commercial structure at the center of Retro Row. The work plan to maintain this property over the contract term includes plaster repair to the front façade, exterior painting, polishing and upgraded maintenance to the terrazzo floor, replacement of the interior flooring, roofing, HVAC, neon and signage repairs, as well as the installation of an interpretive plaque or exhibit on site.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on August 15, 2016 and by Budget Analysis Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on August 19, 2016.
SUSTAINABILITY
Implementation of the Mills Act helps retain and restore local Historic Landmarks. This work is often completed by reusing or reclaiming existing building materials and reducing construction waste as compared to new construction.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on September 6, 2016, to allow sufficient time for the City Attorney, the property owners and City Manager to execute and record all contracts prior to the December 30, 2016 deadline established by the Los Angeles County Assessor for placement on the tax rolls.
FISCAL IMPACT
As mentioned earlier, tax abatements under the Mills Act generally result in a 30 to 50 percent property tax reduction for a historic property. Based on an approximate assessed value of $1,200,000 for the proposed Mills Act historic property, the City could experience an annual decrease of property tax revenue to the General Fund (GF), ranging from approximately $792 to $1,320. For the initial ten-year term, the total estimated revenue decrease to the General Fund could range from approximately $7,920 to $13,200.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER