RDA defers lease payments to help keep Museum of Utah Art and History afloat

The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City tossed a life preserver to the Museum of Utah Art and History on Tuesday, deferring another four months of lease payments so the downtown museum can stay afloat during its closure for construction.

The Salt Lake City Council, in its capacity as the city RDA board of directors, unanimously approved an extension of the lease-free agreement with MUAH through March 31, 2008. The board also agreed to allocate an estimate $40,000 to $60,000 for roof repair or possible replacement.

MUAH has been leasing the building at 125 S. Main, as well as the building next door at 127 S. Main, from the city RDA since February 2004. MUAH leases the second building to the Utah Arts Alliance.

The museum has been closed since the end of July for construction work, including the renovation of the building's facade and the addition of a new gallery to the museum's lower level. The building also is in need of significant roof repair, as well as winterization of the boiler and plumbing systems, according to city staff.

"With having construction going on, it's not a safe place to have visitors," said Kandace Steadman, a member of MUAH's board of trustees.

The Museum of Utah Art and History board wants to purchase the building, Steadman said. The deferred lease payments will be added to the agreed purchase price of $1.9 million, she said.

James Woolley, finance chairman for the MUAH board, said the museum is looking into several opportunities to make the museum more financially viable.

The MUAH board has been working with staff in the governor's office to obtain financing for the museum, and negotiations are ongoing with the Salt Lake City School District to make the museum a permanent repository of its Utah art collection, Woolley said. The board also is exploring joint ventures with Salt Lake Community College, he said.

In January, the RDA board agreed to forgive six months of lease payments during the museum's construction phase. The Museum of Utah Art and History is expected to reopen in spring 2008.

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