ANDERSON – The two groups hoping to bring new life to the Wigwam complex are seeking $5 million in funding from the city of Anderson over the next two years.
Representatives from BWI and JobSource will make the request at the Anderson Redevelopment Commission on Thursday seeking $2 million in Tax Increment Financing District revenues this year and an additional $3 million in 2017.
City officials learned Monday the Wigwam owners have an outstanding utility bill of $33,600 with the city of Anderson.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the Jane Pauley Community Health Center intends to lease up to 25,000 square feet on the first floor of the former classroom facilities of the gymnasium complex, which was closed by Anderson Community Schools in 2011.
Depending on financing, renovation work on the Jane Pauley space could start in August.
Gary Hobbs, CEO of BWI, said an estimated $2 million is committed to the project, which includes $730,000 provided by the Anderson Community Schools and the city of Anderson.
Hobbs said the group is confident that it can secure $4.2 million in New Markets Tax Credits and is seeking another $1.9 million in Historic Tax Credit Investment.
The estimated cost of renovating the Wigwam complex is $15.6 million. The group hopes to secure $2.7 million from tenants and $1 million from private donors.
The proposed two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments at the site are now being planned for the vacant athletic field west of the Wigwam.
The total cost of the project is $42 million, Hobbs said.
“The Wigwam brand is one of the top brand components of Anderson and Madison County,” he said when asked why the city should provide additional funding.
“We can leverage that brand for quality of place,” Hobbs said. “It will help attract more visitors and companies to Anderson. “
Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said his concern with the request is that the city is being asked to put the first money into the project, a red flag in most instances.
"They're asking for tax dollars first," he said. "That's a concern.
“A part of the discussion will be the money already provided by the community,” Winkler said. "It will be a good presentation, I don't know what the Redevelopment Commission will do."
Winkler said the Anderson Redevelopment Commission is working on setting priorities at Edgewood Plaza, downtown and brownfield industrial sites.
“Where does the Wigwam fit in on that priority list?” he said. “What’s the best way to meet those needs and what role will the Wigwam play?”
Joanna Gentry-Collette, director of JobSource, said eventually the plan is to open a performing arts center on the second floor of the complex.
She said the biggest need before the building can be utilized is work on the roof and installation of a new heating and air conditioning system.
“The gym will be usable once the heating and air conditioning work is completed,” Gentry-Collette said. “We’re in serious discussions with tenants for the second floor.
“The concept is so different,” she said. “We want to create opportunities for people to explore their talent and be successful.”
She said the concept is a talent development center for athletics and the arts. That would include instruction in soccer, tennis, golf, boxing, music, dance, choral and visual and graphic arts.
Gentry-Collette said the Wigwam is an icon for the community and is recognized nationally.
“This project can be catalyst for all the elements to make it a vibrant community,” she said.
She said JobSource has purchased a former church building at 14th and Morton streets to begin a Youth and Adult Build project to construct pre-fabricated houses and place them on vacant lots in Anderson.
Gentry-Collette said they are working with local food producers to open the former cafeteria to provide healthy meals and to have a demonstration area on how to make healthy meals.
There is still a possibility that the Anderson Township trustee's offices and a boys and girls club could locate at the Wigwam complex, she said.