Submitted By: Emily Parkman
presenter
Presentation By: Aubrey Hale
end
Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
title
Five-year lease agreement for Brick City Center for the Arts between the Marion Cultural Alliance and the City of Ocala
end
OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
BACKGROUND:
The Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) is a not-for-profit corporation and serves as the Local Arts Agency of Ocala/Marion County. Their mission is to be the catalyst and advocate for greater cultural impact in the community by supporting activities in the arts, fine arts, and education. MCA currently implements its mission through the activation of the Brick City Center for the Arts and the establishment of a comprehensive art center that engages the local community through art education, art events, art exhibitions, funding for the arts, and the sale of original art by local artists.
On February 14, 2006, MCA entered into a lease with the City for the Brick City Center for the Arts (23 SW Broadway Street). This initial five-year lease included:
• rent of $1 per year for the first five-year term
• capital improvement of no less than $60,000 for renovations to the exterior courtyard
• one five-year renewal term at a rent of $1,200 per year or $100 per month.
The capital improvement was completed prior to the initial five-year term, with a total capital investment of $77,732. In 2016, MCA entered into a similar new five-year lease at $1,200 per year plus a five-year renewal term ending on February 28, 2026.
During the last five-year term, the City has spent $9,205 on maintenance for the mural awning and provided routine maintenance for the building.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
MCA has leased the Brick City Center for the Arts for the last 20 years, demonstrating exemplary stewardship of the facility while providing a broad spectrum of community benefits and arts programming. MCA at the Brick City Center for the Arts has established itself as the central hub and resource for arts and culture in Ocala. Refer to the attached MCA documents: the Lease Renewal Briefing Memo, 2025 MCA Events and Foot Traffic Report, and 2025 MCA Annual Report.
The existing lease is set to expire on February 28, 2026. MCA is requesting a new five-year lease term, with one five-year renewal and identical terms to the previous lease agreement. MCA will remain responsible for all utilities and security system costs. MCA will also increase the building's availability for City use upon request.
The proposed new lease would allow MCA to continue supporting the community, implement new programming, and collaborate with other art organizations and the City as an integral partner in the City’s vision and Cultural Arts Implementation Plan. A copy of the proposed lease agreement is attached to this report with a summary listed below.
Summary of Lease Terms:
• Initial Term: March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2031
• Renewal Period: five years beginning March 1, 2031
• Rent: $100 per month
• Security Deposit: $8,000 (Cash or Letter of Credit)
• Reporting: Annual Reports
• Obligations to repair: City is responsible for repairs exceeding $2,500
The continued relationship with MCA under the lease agreement aligns with the Downtown Ocala Master Plan and the Ocala 2035 Vision, which seek to leverage and build upon the community’s assets to transform downtown Ocala into a mixed-use cultural and economic hub that offers a strong sense of place.
Staff recommends approval of the lease agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Building assessments are underway by staff. Any identified improvements will be included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget planning.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny