Background

In a 2019 GCSD survey, 67% of respondents were interested or very interested in a community recreation center with event space for community meetings, lectures, classes, or private events.  Based on that data, GCSD began looking for a location for a recreation center. The property at 480 Avenue Alhambra (rented by Picasso Preschool) was listed for sale in February of 2021. GCSD learned of the property in May of 2021, made an offer, and subsequently purchased the property (not the business) outright in July on 2021. GCSD then entered into a lease agreement with the Picasso Preschool business owner, commencing September of 2021 through August of 2023. That lease was amended the following year to a term of 36 months commencing September 2022 through May 31, 2025.  

The location of the building is ideal for a community recreation center and is adjacent to the GCSD owned parcel that will become the Granada Community Park. However, converting the building into a recreation center would require that the preschool business relocate.  Though respondents in the 2019 survey indicated a desire for a community recreation center, the District wants to ensure that community members understand that it will be at the expense of the preschool remaining in its location.

In February of 2021, the Picasso Preschool building was put on the market (the business had been sold separately in 2013 and the business continued to rent the building from the property owner).  The business owner listed the business for sale in October of 2020 and the property owners subsequently listed the property in February of 2021 in hopes that the business and  property could be sold together in order to maintain the preschool. No agreement was reached with prospective buyers of the business and property.  GCSD learned of the property in May of 2021 and subsequently made an offer to purchase the building. GCSD purchased the building in July of 2021 and entered into a lease agreement with the business owner commencing September of 2021 through August of 2023. That lease was later amended to a term of 36 months commencing September 2021 through May 31, 2025.