Jackson Art Center Garners ANC Support

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission called on the D.C. government to extend the Jackson Art Center (JAC) lease for "not less than five years" and give priority to the art center in any possible disposition scenario.

The Jackson Art Center (3050 R St., NW) was recently offered a three-year lease extension by the Department of General Services, which owns the property. During previous negotiations the agency had been considering a five-year extension. The shorter term came about after DGS received an expression of interest from a developer.

Simma Liebman, the president of the JAC, said her organization is a community resource that should be allowed to continue to exist in the "fully-utilized" historic structure.

Liebman said they would like "as long a lease as possible," even another 15 year lease.

"We see the next three years as filled with uncertainty, disturbance and the threat of development proposals," said Liebman.

The approved ANC resolution "insists" that should the District decide to sell the property that it be used for arts education and artists studios and that priority be given to the JAC in any sale.