TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, City Manager
FROM: Jim Schmidt, AIC Information Technology Director
SUBJECT:
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Request to create a mid-year project to perform a mechanical upgrade to the elevator at the Bush House.
Ward(s): Ward 2
Councilor(s): Councilor Nishioka
Neighborhood(s): SCAN
Result Area(s): Good Governance; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
summary
The Bush House elevator has been out of public use due to its deteriorated condition. In November 2025, the elevator ceased functioning entirely, requiring a repair estimated at $25,300. The Salem Art Association (SAA), a primary user of the building and elevator, secured grant funding and private donations to cover a significant portion of the costs for a comprehensive mechanical upgrade. This mid-year project would enable the City to contribute the remaining funds needed to complete the upgrade.
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ISSUE:
Shall City Council authorize the creation of a mid-year construction project to provide companion funding for a complete mechanical upgrade to the elevator at Bush House?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize the creation of a mid-year construction project to provide companion funding for a complete mechanical upgrade to the elevator at Bush House.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The Bush House elevator has experienced recurring mechanical issues, deficiencies, and periods of inoperability. In November 2025, the elevator was taken out of service. In January 2026, the City received a quote from its elevator contractor of record to repair the elevator to minimum operating standards at a cost of $25,300. The City has not yet issued a Notice-to-Proceed to the contractor for this repair work.
The Salem Art Association (SAA), the primary occupant of the Bush House, has developed a plan to reimagine the use of the space. This plan includes providing public access to the 1st and 2nd floors in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards via the elevator. To advance this vision, SAA secured $77,333 in grant funding and private donations toward the total cost of a comprehensive mechanical upgrade to the elevator, estimated at $122,333.
SAA has requested that the City contribute $45,000 to the project. This contribution would cover the $25,300 cost to repair the elevator to minimum operating standards and provide additional funding to enhance the elevator’s functionality and public accessibility.
The recently completed Deepwood House and Carriage House exterior painting project was completed under budget, resulting in $108,723 in savings. Staff recommends using a portion of this savings to create a mid-year construction project and allocate $45,000 toward the Bush House elevator upgrade.
This project was reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Officer for minor historic clearance, Case No. CPR-25-04.
BACKGROUND:
The Bush House is a City-owned historic structure, with operations, maintenance, and construction project costs traditionally funded through the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Alisha Rumble
Enterprise Services Management Analyst 2