A symphony of heritage

Photo: Contributed - Google Street View

Kelowna City Council will be asked to approve a five year lease allowing the Okanagan Symphony to utilize Knowles House on Bernard Avenue for office and storage space.

The request will be made when council next convenes Monday.

The 106-year-old building has been vacant since the Alzheimer Society moved out in Dec, 2012.

Both the Symphony and Central Okanagan Heritage Society expressed interest in renting the property.

A matrix was developed to evaluate the two proposals:

• Sustainability of heritage maintenance
• Social/economic value to the community
• Broad community based organization
• Monetary value to the city

The OSO was selected using the criteria.

If approved by council the symphony would pay $10,680 in the first year and $13,680 in each of the final four years of the lease.

They would also be responsible for all utilities and property taxes.

"The rent reduction in the first year recognizes the minor interior renovations required by the OSO and the need for continued outside storage space while the renovations are underway," says Property Management Manager, Ron Forbes in his report for council.

"There has been an addition to the house that is in poor condition and needs to be removed. The house requires renovations to return the building to its original form and character."

Forbes says rental revenues have been put in reserve to fund the renovations with continued revenue contributions ensuring funding for the restoration.

He adds the OSO has indicated that proximity to Knowles Park opens up programming opportunities for small concerts in the park.

The city holds an option to renew the least for an additional five years term.

A rent review will be conducted at that time to ensure market rent is achieved.