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PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) and the Beverly Area Arts Alliance (the “Alliance”) for the preservation, restoration, operation and long-term maintenance of the Eugene S. Pike House located at 1826 W. 91st Street, Chicago, Illinois (the “Pike House”).
Reason: This former watchman residence that was built in 1894 has fallen into disrepair and requires significant expenditure to restore the building. Under the proposed agreement, the building and adjacent yard area, approximately 0.3 acres (the “Licensed Area”), would be restored and maintained by the Foundation and the Alliance as a community center at no cost to the Forest Preserves for uses that support the Forest Preserves mission by providing nature-based education, recreation and cultural opportunities.
The critical repairs necessary to stabilize and preserve the Pike House would need to be completed by the Foundation within three (3) years of the effective date of the proposed agreement. The Foundation is proposing to fund most of the work with a major grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. All construction, including non-critical repair work, shall be completed within five (5) years of the effective date of the proposed agreement, unless otherwise mutually agreed to in writing by the respective parties. If construction on the project does not commence within two (2) years of the effective date, the Partnership/License Agreement will automatically terminate.
The Alliance will be responsible for the daily maintenance of all property within the Licensed Area except for any trees, including but not limited to, keeping the property in good repair, clean, and safe to the public.
The proposed agreement includes terms and conditions relating to the use of the Pike House property by the Alliance that ensures that programs, exhibits and events support the Forest Preserves mission and do not adversely affect the Forest Preserves or adjacent neighbors. Various types of insurance would be maintained by the Foundation and the Alliance throughout the proposed agreement term, and an annual community outreach plan would also be submitted to the Forest Preserves to ensure there is outreach to Cook County residents outside the Beverly Area for the center’s various events.
The Forest Preserves previously issued a Request for Expressions of Interest in connection with the Pike House. Emergency roof repairs were previously authorized by the Board of Commissioners on 10/22/2024 (Board Item No. 24-0371). With respect to Title 2, Chapter 5 of the Forest Preserves’ Code of Ordinances (Acquisition, Conveyance, License, and Use of District Property), waiver of license related fees and non-applicable provisions is recommended due to the minimal impact to Forest Preserves land and the above benefits of the proposed use.
Contract Period: Twenty-five (25) years from the effective date of the proposed agreement, with automatic renewal in five (5) year increments up to a maximum term of forty (40) years
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Account(s): N/A
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 4