Feature
Arts Benicia Moves to the Historic Commanding Officer’s Quarters n Jean Purnell
After nearly 28 years at 991 Tyler Street, Arts Benicia has moved to the long-vacant Commanding Officer’s Quarters in the Historic Benicia Arsenal district. “This really felt like a great way for Arts Benicia to find newer, larger space and for the City to have a tenant with the right community/cultural fit,” said Janet Davis, Chairperson of Arts Benicia’s Board of Directors. “Terry Scott, Arts and Culture Commission Chair, and Mario Giuliani, Deputy City Manager, could not have been more enthusiastic about a move to the COQ. We were very fortunate to have the legal support of Terry Mollica, who graciously represented Arts Benicia in the lease review process. Rick Knight, Municipal Projects Manager, the key member of the leadership team in the City’s renovation of the COQ, gave us guidance around how the space could be adapted for gallery and classroom use. We are so grateful to Mario Giuliani and to the City Council as well. Their task, as always, is to first find the best solution for the City and help a community business succeed. It took some work, but we are thrilled with the results.” The location on Tyler Street is surrounded by artist studios and features a 2400-square foot gallery space that was constructed in the early 1990s
10 • Benicia Magazine
