About Firehouse 23
and The Corporation for
History, Art, and Culture
The Opportunity
Old Fire Station 23 is a Los Angeles and US designated Historic Site. It is located at 225 E. 5 th St. in Downtown Los Angeles.
In an effort to build upon the civic efforts of the previous generation who worked to identify, preserve and restore this historically significant and beautiful building for public enjoyment and edification during the 1970's and 80's, the Corporation for History, Art and Culture (CHAC) was formed.
My name is Daniel Taylor and I would like to invite the community to learn more about the CHAC mission and the Firehouse Cultural Center Project.
I believe that the more you know about the building and its potential benefit for the community the more you will want to preserve it as a public asset.
In 2010, Old Fire Station #23 will be 100 years old. The Corporation for History, Art and Cultures plan assures that once restoration of the building is complete; through its use, it will generate the funds necessary to serve the public for many more centuries.
It seeks to build upon the successful track record of creative use of the building, which has proven successful in maintaining it since it was closed as an active Fire Station in 1960. It calls for a professional quality facility to be built which will be capable of generating funds and in turn producing and funding cultural, artistic and educational projects exhibits and events in the public interest and in conjunction with other community groups.
Your City
For the longest time community activists have asked: What can the City do for the arts and other civic concerns?
The Corporation for History, Art and Culture asks;
What can artists and community organizations with access to a valuable creative resource, properly managed do for the cultural, educational, civic and commercial vitality of our community?
I believe that through historic grant funding of all types, motivated community support and fundraising efforts, this Historic Fire Station will be restored and made suitable to provide a unique service to the public for many years to come.
For several years the City of Los Angeles has been trying to allocate the necessary funds for restoration but always the strained City budget has been unable to spare so much money on historic Fire Station 23. Now Old Fire Station 23 cannot afford to endure another leaky winter without inviting serious risk. It will take $50,000 aprox. To replace the roof and solve some drainage issues. The roof has not been replaced in 60 years. It is leaking very badly and will result in possibly extensive water damage, which will only increase the restoration costs now estimated at over 8 million dollars for the entire building.
My Invitation
I am extending a special invitation to anyone interested in contributing to this worthy endeavor to meet with me this summer, learn more about the Firehouse Cultural Center Project and help us to immediately raise the necessary funds for the replacement of the roof.
Many artists and organizations have already lent their support for this effort. They know that Fire Station 23 has the capacity to be an fundraising resource for the community which already attracts world wide interest.
I look forward to meeting with anyone who wishes to help create a community wide plan for the use of the building and help to preserve it now in its hour of need.
Daniel Taylor
Caretaker of Historic Fire Station 23
Executive Director
Corporation for History, Art and Culture 213-624-5510
PO Box 71021
Los Angeles, CA, 90071
http://www.thechac.org
To learn more please read our Firehouse Cultural Center Project Outline.
Corporation for History, Art and Culture Mission
The mission of the Corporation for History, Art, and Culture is too lessen the burden of government in the area of the arts, public education and community developement by raising money to create a Center for History, Art and Culture at Historic Landmark, Firehouse Old 23, located at 225 E. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA. To restore this Federal, State and City of Los Angeles designated Historic Site known as Old 23s', in order to maximize the buildings unique architectural and acoustic features, found in few other buildings in the Southern California area, for the fullest benefit for our community and City of Los Angeles.
To operate the Center in a way that makes it self-supporting, by holding regulary scheduled fundraising events and charging fees for the use of the Centers production facilities.
To create an audio/video production facility capable of producing educational and classroom material, producing community projects, promoting civic awareness and neighborhood development, funding projects of local youth, students and artists.
To promote the Centers facilities to professional artists, entertainmeners and producers and use the valus of the fees charged to support the Centers charitable projects.
Create an Exhibit Hall/Fundraising Venue to exhibit the work of local artists, as well as national and international displays of art, science, history and culture. Raise money for Center projects and community organizations.
Forge civic private partnerships for artists.
To continue to use the building as a film location, serving film students, local filmmakers and professional producers.
To operate this Center as a resource for art and artists, help local artists to be more productive and increase their opportunity for employment, through internships, grants training programs and the civic and commercial productions produced at the Center.
To establish this Center for the development, education and enjoyment of the local neighborhood, adjacent communities, the greater Los Angeles area and those who visit here.