The San Diego City Council's Smart Growth and Land Use Committee Wednesday will consider a 20-year lease that could pave the way for a museum and community center at a city-owned property adjacent to Chicano Park.
The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center nonprofit has for several decades sought to move into the 9,890-square-foot building at 1960 National Ave., which formerly housed an adult education campus.
The property would allow the 48-year-old nonprofit to expand services, programs and exhibitions related to Chicano, Latino as well as indigenous culture and history.
The proposed center would include a gallery and exhibition space; educational training rooms for arts, history, science and hands-on activities; conference rooms; an archival room; and a collections space.
Under the proposed lease, The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center would pay the city's annual nonprofit administrative rent: currently $3,597 per year.
The nonprofit would be responsible for all maintenance, repairs and capital improvements at the property. However, "if adequate funds are available," the city may improve systems that "benefit the city," such as roof, plumbing and electrical systems.
Chicano Park was established in 1970 under the Coronado Bridge in Barrio Logan.
Colorful murals depict historical events and civil rights leaders, among other things, on bridge pylons throughout the space, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
