GLENDALE—The Glendale City Council on Tuesday approved the Armenian American Museum’s Ground Lease Agreement, officially marking Glendale Central Park as the future site of the cultural and educational center. The historic decision marks a major milestone for the landmark project, culminating four years of collaboration and partnership between the Museum and City of Glendale.
The $1-per-year Ground Lease Agreement will locate the Armenian American Museum in the southwest corner of Glendale Central Park near the prominent intersection of Brand Boulevard and Colorado Street. The Museum will neighbor the Downtown Central Library, Adult Recreation Center, and The Americana at Brand. The initial term of the Ground Lease Agreement will be 55 years with options to extend the lease term for four 10-year periods totaling 95 years.
The Museum will rise to three stories with approximately 60,000 square feet dedicated to a Permanent Exhibition on the Armenian American experience, Traveling Exhibitions on diverse cultures and subject matters, Performing Arts Theater, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Museum Archives, and Museum Store & Café.
Museum and City officials held a special joint press conference on Wednesday, at the Glendale Central Library to celebrate the historic decision at Downtown Central Library overlooking the future Museum site.
“It is a proud day for the City of Glendale and we are excited that the Armenian American Museum’s future home is going to be in our Jewel City,” stated Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan.
“The Museum is going to be a landmark for our city and a great addition for the entire community, especially our younger generation,” stated Glendale Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian.
“The Armenian American Museum is going to be a jewel in our city and a world class center that we are all going to be proud of,” stated Glendale Councilmember Paula Devine.
The joint press conference concluded with a signing ceremony to celebrate the historic partnership between the Armenian American Museum and City of Glendale.
“The Museum will be a legacy for the next generation and we have taken a great step towards making the project a reality,” stated Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian.
“Education is the key in appreciating cultural diversity,” said Glendale Councilmember Vrej Agajanian in a statement following the joint press conference. “I hope that the Armenian American Museum will promote understanding of the Armenian American experience and strengthen community ties.”
Museum officials will soon announce the next phase of the landmark project and opportunities for the public to get involved with the community project.
The Armenian American Museum is a developing project in Glendale, CA with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The Museum will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
The governing board of the Armenian American Museum consists of representatives from the following ten Armenian American institutions and organizations: Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union – Western District, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Relief Society – Western USA, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Glendale City Council Approves Armenian American Museum Ground Lease Agreement