Rendering of Buffalo Roam Film Studio & Institute. Photo courtesy of Buffalo Roam
The City Council on Monday took several steps to help facilitate the location of a film studio and film institute in downtown Bartlesville. The institute will be located in the former First Christian Church building, 520 S. Osage Ave., adjacent to the Bartlesville Community Center and the Price Tower in the city’s arts district.
Buffalo Roam Film Studio & Institute will take over the former church building after the FCC board offered to donate the facility to City nearly two years ago. FCC had hoped the City would convert the building to a conference center; however, a feasibility study conducted by the City later indicated the need for the center at that location did not justify the high cost associated with the conversion.
The City Council then directed City staff to seek other potential uses for the facility by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). In all, six proposals were submitted. All were reviewed by a committee, which then recommended the Buffalo Roam project to the council. The council approved the recommendation in September of this year.
On Monday, the council voted to approve an addendum to the lease agreement necessary to move forward with the project. The council also created the Bartlesville Film Authority Trust and appointed Vice Mayor Jim Curd to serve as a trustee.
The council also voted to provide $2 million in funding for the project, to be paid via the Economic Development Fund and Bartlesville Redevelopment Authority Tax Increment Finance District No. 1 funds. The funds will be placed in escrow and, with the exception of $280,000 in “early access funds,” disbursements will require approval of the Bartlesville Film Authority.
The building will be completely renovated, with the exception of the chapel. Additionally, Buffalo Roam will construct a new building that will house a sound stage.
“This project will add significant tax valuation to this property, which will be partially captured by TIF District No. 1,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “And having a film studio and institute in our arts district is a great addition to our downtown area and to our city.”
Bailey said credit for the project goes to the FCC, Vice Mayor Jim Curd and then-City councilor Alan Gentges, who currently serves as municipal judge, as well as the City Council.
“Vice Mayor Curd and then-councilor Gentges are the ones who brought the offer from the First Christian Church board to the council’s attention two years ago, and they never gave up on moving this project forward,” Bailey said. “We owe them and the entire council a debt of gratitude for their visionary leadership in bringing this project to fruition, and certainly we are grateful to the FCC for their very generous donation.”
Construction on the renovation is expected to start in December. The project is expected to be complete by 2025.