Plaza Roberto Maestas - El Centro De La Raza

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Roberto Maestas's life and work were guided Dr. King's vision of the “Beloved ... Residents take light rail to livable wage jobs in the city or classes at the ...
Un hombre del pueblo, para el pueblo, luchando por la “Querida Comunidad” .............. A man of the people, for the people, building the “Beloved Community”

EL CENTRO’S CONTINUING QUEST TO BUILD THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

Community-Inspired, Transit Oriented Development Continuing Roberto’s Legacy El Centro’s collaborative, inclusive approach has resulted in forward-thinking design to ensure Plaza Roberto Maestas sets a new standard for community transit oriented development. By design, this project will foster the Beloved Community for which Roberto Maestas never lost sight. Guided by El Centro’s values, Plaza Roberto Maestas will model how development projects can renew, rather than deplete, a community. Gracias for taking the time to participate in a campaign feasibility study interview with The Collins Group. Your input will help El Centro de la Raza determine the best way to structure a fundraising campaign that will bring Plaza Roberto Maestas to life.

For more information, please contact: Estela Ortega, Executive Director, El Centro de la Raza, at (206) 957-4613 or [email protected].

As principal founder and long-time executive director of El Centro de la Raza, Roberto Maestas’s life and work were guided Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community” – a world where poverty, racism, and social inequality could be eradicated through multiracial unity and community and civic engagement. Maestas, along with other community leaders, had long dreamed of expanding El Centro’s mission on Beacon Hill, creating a community that fully embodies the values that El Centro has promoted since its inception. Today, El Centro has the opportunity to realize this dream – a physical manifestation of the “Beloved Community.”

Envision it, El Centro becomes a place for the entire Beacon Hill community, and creates a stronger Seattle:

• Attractive and sustainable affordable housing creates opportunities for low- to moderate- income families • • • • • • •

in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood Latino culture and traditions are expressed, experienced, and celebrated Families access high-quality child care and youth programs; kids succeed in school and are ready for college Low-income people participate in life-changing programs and services near their homes Residents take light rail to livable wage jobs in the city or classes at the University of Washington People from throughout the region gather for cultural events, outdoor summer movies, and festivals Vibrant pedestrian streets with outdoor markets and dining create a lively destination Small businesses thrive in the heart of the Beacon Hill Business District

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A Shared Vision for North Beacon Hill and Beyond Located on Beacon Hill since 1972, El Centro de la Raza has been a voice and a hub for the Latino community, working to build unity across all racial and economic sectors. As a community convener, El Centro actively participated in the development of the North Beacon Hill Neighborhood Plan – and organized voices who had never participated in such a process – and now is poised to transform the acre of vacant land that sits between its historic schoolhouse and the Beacon Hill light rail station. Shaped by neighbors and future residents, and designed to promote community interaction and environmental values, Plaza Roberto Maestas will create and model a new standard for community transit oriented development in Seattle and around the country.

Investing in Solutions to Strengthen Community Each year, El Centro positively impacts more than 9,700 families and nearly 20,000 individuals through bilingual and multicultural programs and services in the areas of children and youth, human and emergency services, education and skill building, and community building and development. While a majority of those served are Latino community members, El Centro has built alliances with other communities who share its values, especially within the low-income, senior, homeless, and veteran populations in the Seattle area. Plaza Roberto Maestas will build on El Centro’s leadership and effectiveness and extend its mission to many more people throughout the region. Plaza Roberto Maestas will bring together in one location affordable housing, new business development, expanded services (especially child care), and spaces where the community can gather and celebrate.



El Centro has put together the whole package – affordable housing that leverages public investment in transit and green building to strengthen Seattle’s Latino community, giving its members greater opportunity and increasing their quality of life. El Centro’s development offers a model to the region, and, indeed, to the nation.” — Todd Vogel Loom Foundation

Take a Look: Component and Values It Addresses

Community Need

El Centro’s Solution

Outcomes and Community Benefits

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Many families are leaving Beacon Hill, or have already left, because it is no longer affordable. There is a critical need for housing on Beacon Hill. The North Beacon Hill Neighborhood Plan calls for an additional 550 residential units, and currently no housing in downtown Beacon Hill is affordable at 30% of area median income. El Centro maintains a wait list of 100+ individuals for its 14-unit apartment building on Beacon Hill, as well as a wait list for its homeless program.

El Centro will create 114 rental housing units for people making between 30 and 80% of area median income designed to maximize safety and comfort for a variety of residents – from families to seniors to singles. This mix will provide both low-income and workforce housing. Housing units will be built to Evergreen Sustainable Standards and will be one of the greenest new affordable developments in the state.

1. Low-income individuals and families are able to live in, or move back to, the City of Seattle, close to jobs and El Centro’s extensive programs and services 2.A mix of housing (one- through three-bedrooms) will create a diverse community of residents 3. Sustainable design provides residents with a healthy environments and low utility bills (estimated at less than $30/ month)

The Neighborhood Plan has identified a need for additional retail services for the local residential population and to attract others to the area through the new light rail system.

El Centro will add 4,500 sq ft of new street-level retail and restaurant spaces to enrich the residential community and the surrounding neighborhood. Area small business owners are already excited by these opportunities, and a possible anchor tenant is anxious to move in.

1. Emerging business owners can sell their wares and incubate their ideas here and in other micro-business opportunities on site 2. El Centro has a unique opportunity to build its skills and capacity in property management by working with a third party management firm 3. Light rail will bring customers from outside of the neighborhood, strengthening Beacon Hill’s business community

Equity, self-determinism, safety, opportunity, diversity

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AMENITIES Equity, self-determinism, opportunity, empowerment

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Take a Look: Component and Values It Addresses

Community Need

El Centro’s Solution

Outcomes and Community Benefits

PUBLIC SPACES

Vacant lots surround the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station. El Centro’s historic school house is used more than 13,300 hours each year by community groups and for cultural events. However, no one space can hold more than 100-150 people.

El Centro will create a 13,000 sq ft Main Plaza which connect to pedestrian streets with amenities for community gatherings. El Centro will also create an 9,410 sq ft Multi-Cultural Center. The main Plaza will accommodate up to 650 people and the Center will hold an additional 500 people – creating flexible spaces for community events and festivities.

1. PRM will create a cohesive community atmosphere 2. Beacon Hill will be more walkable; a Latino-style plaza will connect to the light rail station and the public library 3. Community groups can gather together for large celebrations 4. Much like the International District, people from around the city and region will appreciate a Latino cultural hub for Seattle

Latino and multicultural families throughout Seattle highly value El Centro’s award-winning, bilingual José Martí Child Development Center. Currently, the Center has a wait list of 370 families.

El Centro will update its current space and expand the center by 6,815 sq ft, increasing from four classrooms to eight.

1. More families benefit from excellent, bilingual child care. El Centro will be able to care for 60 additional children, an 88% increase 2. Infants/young children meet development milestones 3. Young children are prepared to enter kindergarten 4. Parents are able to secure meaningful employment or continue their educations

Cultural sensitivity, civic participation, diversity, unity

EXPANDED CHILD CARE Cultural sensitivity, education, empowerment

Planning and Partnerships El Centro’s vision for Plaza Roberto Maestas (PRM) is the product of many years of community meetings, collaboration with the North Beacon Hill Council, and assessment of community need. Between 2008 and 2012, El Centro led the neighborhood to successfully advocate for an up-zone of the urban center to allow for the PRM development. More recently, the community has provided input on PRM’s design. Helping to guide all of these efforts is Beacon Development Group, an experienced developer of affordable housing projects with deep roots in the Beacon Hill community. El Centro has partnered with SMR Architects to design the project, a firm that believes that all people deserve enduring, quality design. SMR Architects are well-known throughout Seattle for affordable housing and community based projects such as Plymouth Place, Farestart, and the YWCA’s Opportunity Place. Designers from DKA Architecture and Glenn & Glenn Architects have also joined the team, bringing deep experience in the design of culturally significant buildings in Seattle and around the Pacific Northwest Region.

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Plaza Roberto Maestas has a unique starting place as a community development:

• The land to be developed is already owned by El Centro • Neighbors and area businesses see this project as furthering the Beacon Hill Neighborhood Plan and the • • •

Beacon Hill Merchants Revitalization Plan as part of the Town Center/Urban Village concept El Centro leaders have been able to bring the green building, labor, and social justice communities together with the local neighborhood Future residents and program participants have provided input into plans for the project Strong professional partners are committed to helping achieve El Centro’s vision

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Plaza Roberto Maestas | Proposed Program Overarching Goals for Plaza Roberto Maestas

• Create affordable transit oriented development near downtown Seattle and next to El Centro’s programs and services that strengthen the community and empower residents

• Provide safe and beautiful public spaces that encourage interaction between residents and the community

• Demonstrate strong environmental and community values in an aesthetically please way • Create business opportunities on site to further enhance the Beacon Hill Business District GROUND FLOOR

• 4,500 sq ft of retail space • 6,815 sq ft expansion of the José Martí Child Development Center

• • Three 3-bedroom, ground-floor townhomes 9,410 sq ft Multi-Cultural Center

provide neighborhood connection

OUTDOOR SPACES

• Open market and movable carts that will serve as micro-business opportunities

• 13,000 sq ft Main plaza for public gatherings • A water feature will honor the “Four Amigos” – Bernie Whitebear, Bob Santos, Larry Gossett, & Roberto Maestas

• An eternal flame will memorialize Roberto Maestas • Central kiosko – with a screen for public viewings • Pedestrian streets

Spring 2012

Plaza Roberto Maestas | Proposed Program TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL FLOORS, COURTYARDS • 114 units of affordable housing • 5,000 sq ft of office space

OUTDOOR SPACES • Secure family courtyards • Balcony overlooks to plaza

Spring 2012

And More — The new Plaza Roberto Maestas project will complement El Centro’s existing school house building. By bringing more residents and visitors into the area, El Centro’s holistic, life-changing programs and services will be even more accessible. Child and Youth Programs: Early childhood education, after-school programs, computer training, youth violence prevention, juvenile justice policy work, tutoring and mentoring. Human and Emergency Services: Crisis intervention, emergency shelter and permanent housing assistance, health education, veterans services, and a food bank and hot meal program. Education and Skill-building Programs: Bilingual programs in financial literacy, ESL and citizenship classes, homeownership education and counseling. Community Building and Development: Civic involvement, grassroots organizing, political and social activism to fight for civil and human rights—locally and globally.

Project Budget Like many projects of this type, much of the funding will come in the form of tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and awards from the city, county, and state. However, to fully realize the community benefits of this project, the budget also calls for $4.3 million in gifts and grants from private funders.

Use of Funds

Cost

El Centro’s Track Record Residential Public spaces, retail, multi-cultural community center, expanded child development center, and parking Campaign expenses Total

$28,506,679 $10,008,412

Sources of Funds (Projected)

Cost

El Centro has always been an organization of daring vision; its strength is its leadership and ability to bring people together. From the beginning, when El Centro occupied and began to transform its current home, they were joined by hundreds of allies of all races and economic sectors. Forty years later, El Centro has an annual budget of over $5 million, a staff of 80 (full-time, part-time, on call and full-time volunteer corps members), and more than 1,200 volunteers.

$10,900,000 $8,089,612 $6,500,000 $3,393,702 $1,435,824 $4,250,000 $4,345,953 $38,915,091

El Centro currently owns and manages a 14-unit apartment building, two single-family homes, a small mixed-use building in the Beacon Hill business district, and its 50,000 square feet historic school building. Although El Centro has a property management department that oversees the leasing and maintenance of these properties, it plans to partner with a third-party property management firm to initially manage Plaza Roberto Maestas. Through this partnership, Centro will continue to grow its internal real estate asset management function.

State, City, and County sources Expected Low Income Tax Credit Equity Tax-Exempt Bond Debt Deferred Developer Fees El Centro Land Loan and Office Condo Sale Commercial Loan Capital Campaign Total

$400,000 $38,915,091

To date, El Centro has committed $435,000 through its land loan and has secured $600,000 in initial predevelopment grants from Enterprise Community Partners and the State. Additionally, applications for public funds are being submitted, including State and City requests of $7.9M. A capital campaign could begin as early as Fall 2012. According to this funding plan, construction of PRM would begin in late summer 2013 with construction completing in spring 2014.

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Project Budget Like many projects of this type, much of the funding will come in the form of tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and awards from the city, county, and state. However, to fully realize the community benefits of this project, the budget also calls for $4.3 million in gifts and grants from private funders.

Use of Funds

Cost

El Centro’s Track Record Residential Public spaces, retail, multi-cultural community center, expanded child development center, and parking Campaign expenses Total

$28,506,679 $10,008,412

Sources of Funds (Projected)

Cost

El Centro has always been an organization of daring vision; its strength is its leadership and ability to bring people together. From the beginning, when El Centro occupied and began to transform its current home, they were joined by hundreds of allies of all races and economic sectors. Forty years later, El Centro has an annual budget of over $5 million, a staff of 80 (full-time, part-time, on call and full-time volunteer corps members), and more than 1,200 volunteers.

$10,900,000 $8,089,612 $6,500,000 $3,393,702 $1,435,824 $4,250,000 $4,345,953 $38,915,091

El Centro currently owns and manages a 14-unit apartment building, two single-family homes, a small mixed-use building in the Beacon Hill business district, and its 50,000 square feet historic school building. Although El Centro has a property management department that oversees the leasing and maintenance of these properties, it plans to partner with a third-party property management firm to initially manage Plaza Roberto Maestas. Through this partnership, Centro will continue to grow its internal real estate asset management function.

State, City, and County sources Expected Low Income Tax Credit Equity Tax-Exempt Bond Debt Deferred Developer Fees El Centro Land Loan and Office Condo Sale Commercial Loan Capital Campaign Total

$400,000 $38,915,091

To date, El Centro has committed $435,000 through its land loan and has secured $600,000 in initial predevelopment grants from Enterprise Community Partners and the State. Additionally, applications for public funds are being submitted, including State and City requests of $7.9M. A capital campaign could begin as early as Fall 2012. According to this funding plan, construction of PRM would begin in late summer 2013 with construction completing in spring 2014.

6 | 2012 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FEASIBILITY PROSPECTUS

2012 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FEASIBILITY PROSPECTUS | 7

Un hombre del pueblo, para el pueblo, luchando por la “Querida Comunidad” .............. A man of the people, for the people, building the “Beloved Community”

EL CENTRO’S CONTINUING QUEST TO BUILD THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

Community-Inspired, Transit Oriented Development Continuing Roberto’s Legacy El Centro’s collaborative, inclusive approach has resulted in forward-thinking design to ensure Plaza Roberto Maestas sets a new standard for community transit oriented development. By design, this project will foster the Beloved Community for which Roberto Maestas never lost sight. Guided by El Centro’s values, Plaza Roberto Maestas will model how development projects can renew, rather than deplete, a community. Gracias for taking the time to participate in a campaign feasibility study interview with The Collins Group. Your input will help El Centro de la Raza determine the best way to structure a fundraising campaign that will bring Plaza Roberto Maestas to life.

For more information, please contact: Estela Ortega, Executive Director, El Centro de la Raza, at (206) 957-4613 or [email protected].

As principal founder and long-time executive director of El Centro de la Raza, Roberto Maestas’s life and work were guided Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community” – a world where poverty, racism, and social inequality could be eradicated through multiracial unity and community and civic engagement. Maestas, along with other community leaders, had long dreamed of expanding El Centro’s mission on Beacon Hill, creating a community that fully embodies the values that El Centro has promoted since its inception. Today, El Centro has the opportunity to realize this dream – a physical manifestation of the “Beloved Community.”

Envision it, El Centro becomes a place for the entire Beacon Hill community, and creates a stronger Seattle:

• Attractive and sustainable affordable housing creates opportunities for low- to moderate- income families • • • • • • •

in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood Latino culture and traditions are expressed, experienced, and celebrated Families access high-quality child care and youth programs; kids succeed in school and are ready for college Low-income people participate in life-changing programs and services near their homes Residents take light rail to livable wage jobs in the city or classes at the University of Washington People from throughout the region gather for cultural events, outdoor summer movies, and festivals Vibrant pedestrian streets with outdoor markets and dining create a lively destination Small businesses thrive in the heart of the Beacon Hill Business District

2012 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FEASIBILITY PROSPECTUS | 1 8 | 2012 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FEASIBILITY PROSPECTUS