STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC4
09/08/26
TN
Date: September 8, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Director - Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Department
Subject: MOAH:Cedar Creative Incubator Space Lease Agreements Recommendation:
A. Authorize City Manager or designee to negotiate terms of lease agreements of up to four years 11 months in length and at a rate of $.65 per square foot per month, plus an annual CPI with current and future tenants to occupy real property, located at 44857 Cedar Avenue, known as the Creative Incubator Space.
B. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign all documents related to the lease agreements and all amendments, including amendments to extend the term of each lease to no later than July 1, 2031, subject to City Attorney approval.
G.C. Section 84308: No.
Fiscal Impact:
The proposed lease agreements are anticipated to generate approximately $5,100 in revenue during FY 2026/27.
Background:
MOAH:CEDAR serves as a center for arts engagement, cultural programming, and creative community development. The second floor of the facility houses the Creative Incubator Spaces, which were established to support artists, nonprofit organizations, creative entrepreneurs, and small creative businesses by providing affordable workspace that encourages collaboration, innovation, and public engagement.
The Creative Incubator program advances the City's commitment to supporting the local creative economy by providing organizations and artists with accessible space to develop programming, expand services, and engage the community through arts and cultural experiences. 1 3
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The current Creative Incubator Spaces are occupied by a diverse group of creative organizations and professionals whose work contributes to Lancaster’s cultural vitality:
Suite 201 – BLVD Association Ambassadors Headquarters
This space serves as the headquarters for the BLVD Association Ambassadors, who provide visitor assistance, support special events, and help activate and enhance the downtown district. In recognition of their public service role, no rent is charged for this space.
Suite 202 – Eventually Events (115 sq ft)
Owned and operated by Dyanna Gutierrez, Eventually Events is a boutique wedding and event planning company specializing in full-service event design and coordination.
Suite 203 – Art in Residence (240 sq ft)
Founded by Nathaniel Ancheta, David Edward Martin, and Janice Ngan, Art in Residence is a nonprofit arts outreach organization that provides workshops, exhibitions, arts events, and collaborative community projects throughout the Antelope Valley.
Suite 205 – Francis Robateau Artist Studio (120 sq ft)
Occupied by Francis Robateau, this studio supports the work of a local multidisciplinary artist, curator, and university professor whose creative practice contributes to Lancaster's growing arts community.
Suite 206 – Vacant Space (112 sq ft)
This space is currently unoccupied and is available for lease.
Suite 207 – Vacant Space (163 sq ft)
This space is currently unoccupied and is available for lease.
Suite 208 – Julian Guevara Photography Studio (179 sq ft) Occupied by Julian Guevara, A local photographer specializing in portraiture services and images that intersect documentary storytelling with an editorial approach.
As the Creative Incubator program continues to expand and formalize operations, staff have identified the need to establish a standardized lease agreement for the occupied spaces. The proposed recommendation grants the City Manager or designee the authority to execute lease agreements with tenants to use and occupy the Creative Incubator spaces as such agreements expire. This approach provides a streamlined process for administering future leases while allowing the City to continue supporting arts, culture, economic development, and community activation within Lancaster.
Attachment:
Lease Agreement Template
SP:VR