PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District is offering space at the Lincoln Center to nonprofits and is asking groups to submit applications.
Nonprofits that submit successful proposals, which are due no later than 4 p.m. July 8, will be able rent space at the Lincoln Center for $1 per square foot.
In addition to the leased office space, nonprofits will have access to the kitchen, professional development rooms and conference rooms at no additional costs.
“We’re just looking for people out in the community who need space to rent for community-based nonprofit programs that match our school beliefs,” said Kira Acker, director of finance and operation. “We’re looking for all kinds of proposals that match our strategic plan.”
She said a number of organizations already have expressed interest in the space, including the Washington State University Extension Office and Serenity House.
To apply, complete a Request for Community Partnership Proposal form and return it to Acker.
The form can be downloaded from the district’s website at www. portangelesschools.org or a paper copy may be obtained at the Central Services Building, 216 E. Fourth St.
Acker said that the type of space that is available is primarily office space, but emphasized there is access to other parts of the Lincoln Center at 905 W. Ninth St.
“I’m glad there’s so much interest in it,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a good situation for the community and the district.”
Last month the School Board agreed to move district administrative staff from the Central Services Building, 216 E. Fourth St., to the Lincoln Center to save money and agreed to sell the extra building.
The staff will move to the Lincoln Center this summer.
The district’s support staff currently use about 9,000 square feet while the Lincoln Center has about 29,000 square feet of space.
Acker said it isn’t yet clear exactly how much space is available for these proposals. The depends on how much space district staff need and what Peninsula College wants to do with the space it owns, she said.
“There are some larger spaces that can be turned into multiple rooms and there are some smaller private offices downstairs,” she said. “We’re still working with the college.”
District officials have said that leasing unused space in the Lincoln Center would help cover the costs of maintaining the building.
Successful proposals will align with the district’s strategic plan, support educational opportunity for students and families, demonstrate strong partnerships in the community and have a clear plan for the space needed at the Lincoln Center.
For more information, call Acker at 360-565-3755.
________
Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.
