Minkler Mansion Project - Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Town of Lyman purchasing the Minkler Mansion?
Lyman has a rich heritage and the Mansion dominates prominently in the town’s history. Acquiring the Mansion presents a unique opportunity to preserve and protect a significant part of this history for future generations. Not only is the structure a historic gem, but it will also house a collection of historic photos, artifacts and historic information previously unavailable to the public.
In addition to preserving the town’s history, the additional space created by purchasing the Mansion will allow the town to provide additional services to its residents.
What is the project budget?
The total project budget is estimated at $600,000. Of this amount, $400,000 will be paid for the acquisition of the property itself. Repairs, alterations and renovations are estimated at $100,000. Project administration and management is estimated at $100,000 for architectural, historic consulting, management and legal services during the three years of project completion.
Will property taxes go up as a result of this project?
No. Property taxes are determined, assessed and paid to Skagit County. The Town of Lyman does not derive its municipal revenue from property taxes.
How is the project funded?
The scope of this project is admittedly quite ambitious. However, the town has applied for state and federal assistance through grants. The town has also received substantial support from Skagit County by way of an Interlocal Agreement under which the County has purchased the Mansion for a term of a year to allow Lyman to qualify for grants and generate the funds to own the property out right.
The town has also successfully lobbied Senator Patti Murray to place the project on the 2009 U.S. Senate Budget Request. It is highly uncertain that this earmark will be approved by the next administration. However, if approved, it would pay for 95% of all project cost.
In addition to governmental support, the town will also rely heavily on local support by businesses and private residents through a number of fundraising efforts in the next three years.
What is the project timeline?
The overall project timeline is three years, from 2008 through 2011. The majority of 2008 has been spent pursuing funding and property acquisition. Capital improvements will begin in the summer of 2009 and continue through 2010. Management and administration will continue through 2011 until capital improvements, major fundraising and grant compliance are complete.
What grants has the town applied and qualified for?
The town has qualified for a $200,000 grant from the Heritage Capital Projects Fund, a state fund financed by the Washington Department of Archeology. The town has also qualified for a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the amount of which is yet to be determined (up to $5,000).
The town has applied for the Save America’s Treasures grant, a federally funded grant to support historic properties nationwide. If it qualifies, the town expects to receive up to $125,000 in grant funding.
In addition to grants for historic preservation, the town is pursuing a number of charitable grants designated to support community development. Because of the wide array of qualifications for each grant, it is difficult to predict which of these grants the town will qualify for. The town plans to apply for a minimum amount of $200,000 in community development grant funding.
How will the town pay for ongoing maintenance and operating costs?
The town will spend $100,000 in capital improvements to the Mansion (see Question 2 – Budget). This investment will significantly improve structural integrity for the next 20-50 years. In addition to this upfront investment, the town plans to raise funds to establish a revolving fund to generate sufficient revenue for future ongoing property maintenance.
In addition to the above, the town council is actively exploring other income generating venues to offset any future operating costs of the new town hall.
What capital improvements are planned for the Mansion?
Capital improvement will begin next year, after Lyman acquires the Mansion from Skagit County in fee simple. The capital improvements will include a new roof, new heating system, electrical upgrade, siding and column repairs, water damage repairs, new exterior paint, gutter and downspout repair/replacement, interior wood floor restoration, ADA alterations and walkway improvements.
What ADA alterations will be necessary to convert the Mansion for public use?
The exterior alterations will include designated handicap parking, a wider (ADA compliant) exterior walkway and ramp. Interior alterations will include making the restroom ADA accessible and adjusting door thresholds to provide for better handicap access.
All alterations will be designed and approved by historical architecture experts and created to preserve and complement the overall historic appearance of the property.
Where will legacy pavers and bricks be installed?
The legacy pavers and bricks will be used in paving new walkways and other publicly accessible paved areas near the Mansion’s entry. To commemorate project sponsors, the pavers will be placed in highly visible areas throughout the property.
When will the new town hall open to the public?
The first public open house will take place on Saturday, September 6th to welcome the local community to view the new town hall.
Will the new town hall generate any revenue?
The council is considering several revenue generating venues for the new and former town hall buildings. The Mansion will accommodate events such as weddings and other celebrations and may eventually be rented out for those purposes. The new town hall may also be able to provide small office lease space to private parties.
What will happen to the old town hall?
The former town hall is planned to accommodate community service organizations. The specific scope and extent of those services are being negotiated with local service organizations and agencies. The town and the Skagit County Community Action Agency have expressed a joint desire to locate a satellite Community Action office in the former town hall to provide a variety of services to the town’s residents.
The old town hall can also provide a revenue generating venue for events and receptions.
What is the best way to get updates on the project?
Please continue to visit our website for project updates or call the town hall for information.
