Res 2024-086 approving a ten-year lease agreement with the Greater San Marcos Area Seniors Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, for the lease of the Price Center

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Over the past two decades,the Price Center, a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit community center, has grown into a bedrock institution for the greater San Marcos community that is expanding hearts, minds, & lifespans daily. The Price Center's gift to the community begins outside the historic structures where two heritage pecan trees anchor the Center's large inspirational and educational front Garden. As one of very few downtown green spaces,the mini-park features more than a dozen works of permanent, public art and an ever-blooming display of native and hybrid specimens that draws thousands of visitors each year. From daily sightseers to passing and nesting birds, butterflies, and bumblebees to the students from Texas State University's horticulture class for one of their annual exams,the Price Center Garden's beauty, variety, and modeling of environmentally sensitive techniques is another true downtown public treasure. Our Garden aligns well with the City's ongoing and expanded focus on Environmental, Educational, and Arts efforts. The historic nature of the property, which includes structures dating back to 1893—pre- dating TXST's Old Main by 5 years -- offer a glimpse of San Marcos' past-- both pre-turn-of- the 19t" and post-turn-of-the-20t" Century. Our celebration and preservation efforts include horse hitches in the curb, an intricate pressed tin ceiling in our 1910 room, and period light fixtures, doors, windows, and floors in our 1893 Chapel,which offer a true visual treat for seekers of history and architecture—locals or travelers. A variety of activities from luncheons to workshops, films, and cultural exhibits and celebrations foster and nurture further focus on the preservation of our area's unique history and cultures. Our historic property and architectural features, as well as educational events and community cultural celebrations align very well with the focus on Education and Historic Preservation. Last year alone,thousands of San Marcos and Hays County residents, their families, and their guests were among the thousands of visitors to the Price Center. Even better, our classes, gatherings, and private rentals now routinely include much more diversity, including culture, age, religion, race, ethnicity, and gender.