Design rendering of MICA’s lobby | Photo credit: MICA

At Monday’s City Council meeting, the council will review a proposed lease between the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) and the City of Mercer Island. The review suggests that the City is moving forward with MICA at its proposed location, a topic of community debate since the site will be located on the northwest corner of Mercerdale Park. [For background, check out My MI’s “Talk of the Town: MICA & Mercerdale“]

In an email to supporters, Board President John Gordon Hill noted that MICA is “approaching a key milestone,” and the meeting is likely to be well-attended by MICA enthusiasts.

The lease review is still an early step in the marathon of facility planning and fundraising MICA still has ahead.  MICA will also need to get City of Mercer Island approval of the building design, parking plan, and all permits, as well as City approval of an operations plan and budget.

MICA is also financing 100% of the construction costs, primarily through individual and foundation donations. MICA’s capital campaign is projected at $25 million, which includes design, permitting, construction and operating reserve. So far, about $5 million has been raised and pledged by private donors.

MICA projects ground breaking in 2017 and a grand opening in 2018.

A draft of the lease is available for review in the meeting agenda packet.  For more information about MICA, visit: mercerislandarts.org