Attachment A - Cover Letter and Grant Application.pdf

600 W. Van Buren Street  
                                                                       Phoenix, AZ 85003                   
 
February 6, 2023 
Mr. Kevin Weight 
Principal Planner 
City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office 
200 W. Washington St. 3rd Floor 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
Dear Mr. Weight, 
 
I am submitting this grant application on behalf of Fabius Enterprise, LLC. We had intentions of 
submitting a demolition request on the property but were met by downtown advocates who wanted to 
stop the demolition and compel at least part of the existing structure into the design of our new hotel.  
Our EV Hotel project aims to turn the 63-year-old historic preservation property known as City Center 
Motel into a high-tech completely automated hotel. Our goal is to update the old into the new while 
preserving some of its iconic look and historic place in downtown Phoenix. 
Funding is needed for this project because it will allow for the historic look to remain as authentic as 
possible to the property's original historic ambience and to preserve the history of the hotel and its 
presence downtown. We are seeking additional funding to assist us in preserving Downtown Phoenix. 
Bringing a new technology-focused modern destination hotel to the downtown community will have an 
economic impact on the downtown community, providing travelers with high-tech comforts while 
staying at the property. The property will have the curbside appeal that exudes the city’s economic 
development yet concedes to preservationists and the communities' values for an historic appearance. 
The project will preserve the historic presence in the downtown community, impact economic 
development and provide for futuristic technological advancement while providing patrons with a 
unique travel experience. We appreciate your consideration of our grant request as we further develop 
our project with the goal of preserving an iconic structure and impacting the future of hospitability in 
our downtown historic community.  
Thank you for your consideration. 
Nimesh Dinubhai 
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

Historic Preservation Office 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Application 
Page 1 of 6 
For more information or for a copy of this publication in an alternate format, contact Planning & Development at 
(602) 262-7811 voice / (602) 534-5500 TTY.
TRT/DOC/00175 
S:\Historic Preservation\Handouts & Forms\Financial Incentives\WTB\WTB Application 
WEB\pdd_hp_pdf_00175.pdf
Rev. 9/22 
In completing the application, please be as concise as possible, read all questions before answering to avoid 
repetition and write legibly in pen or type.  You may include continuation sheets if needed.  All required 
supplemental information must be included and be unbound. 
I.
APPLICANT COVER LETTER
Please include a cover letter from the property owner or authorized person submitting on behalf of the owner 
summarizing the request for Historic Preservation (HP) grant funding. Briefly describe the overall project 
purpose and the eligible work items.  Indicate the total project budget, dollar amount for eligible work items, and 
the total amount requested. 
II.
APPLICANT AND PROPERTY INFORMATION
Applicant:  
Legal Name of Property Owner:  
Mailing Address:  
Phone:  
 Email Address:  
Property Address:  
Historic District (or name of individually-listed/eligible building):  
Current Use of Property:  
Is Property Vacant? ☐ Yes ☐ No  If Yes, Length of Time Vacant? 
Date Current Owner Purchased Property:  
Historic Preservation Office Use Only: 
Historic Status:
☐Individually Designated
☐Contributor to an Historic District
☐Eligible / Not Currently Designated
☐Non-contributor with Potential
☐Designation in Progress
☐Non-contributor without Potential
III. HISTORIC PROPERTY INFORMATION
1.
Historical/Architectural Significance.  Briefly describe the historical and/or architectural
significance of your property, including the date of construction, architect/builder if known,
construction method, original use of property, and subsequent uses over the years.
Fabius Enterprise, LLC
Nimesh Dinubhai
600 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-647-9777
nims@webfresh.com
600 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Downtown Code/ City Center Motel
Motel
I
2005
The City Center Motel was designed by William D. Knight and built in 1959. In 2016 the iconic Googie style roadside 
lodging City Center Motel opted in to the Travelodge franchise and the yellow sign letters were removed. They were 
salvaged by the Arizona Vintage Sign Coalition and are in safe storage should they ever need to be restored in the 
future. In 2022, it became the City Center Downtown. The property renders a classic mid-century architecture and 
includes contemporary architecture with modernist influences 
 
The City Center Motel is significant under Criterion A for its association with tourism related development during the 
mid-century era. Its importance is reflected by its location on Van Buren Street (U.S. Highway 60, 70, 80 and 89), 
which was the main transportation corridor through Phoenix prior to the construction of Interstate 10. Unlike earlier 
hotels, such as the San Carlos and Westward Ho, the City Center Motel catered to visitors in automobiles, reflecting 
the growing influence of the car in postwar society. City Center Motel utilizes futuristic, striking shapes and signage to 
attract the attention of passing drivers. Its lobby and porte cochere make a bold architectural statement while the 
guest room wings are fairly simple functional buildings that are little more than decorated boxes.  It represents a rare 
property type, as one of just a handful of motels 
from the 1950s still surviving in Phoenix. 
DocuSign Envelope ID: FEF926D6-9D72-4195-B915-8E3E71D46665
DocuSign Envelope ID: EA60CB6F-C45D-48B7-98EA-B2AD22B7D92E
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Application – Page 2 of 6 
TRT/DOC/00175 
 
2. Property Description.  Briefly describe the primary exterior features of your property, including 
information on style and materials of exterior siding/finishes, roof, doors/windows, porches, and 
any decorative or unique features of the property.  For these features, indicate whether they are 
original or altered/replaced, and if they were altered/replaced when this occurred (if known). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. Historic Property Inventory Form.  Attach a copy of the Historic Property Inventory Form (if 
available from the City of Phoenix HP Office) for your property. 
4. Photographs.  Attach color photographs showing overall site, street views, all exterior facades 
and close-up views of original/decorative features, and areas where work is to be performed.  
Include interiors if the request includes interior work.  Label views (i.e., north façade, east wood 
casement window). 
5. Property Condition.  Describe the overall condition of the property, providing descriptive 
information on areas that are deficient or deteriorated.  If an architectural or structural 
assessment has been performed, please attach.  All requests for structural work need to include a 
structural assessment. 
 
 
 
 
 
6. Previous Rehabilitation Work.  Briefly describe previous rehabilitation work you have already 
completed on your property as well as work that you are aware of that was conducted by previous 
owners.  List the major work items and the year work was done. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The property is also significant under Criterion C as a rare remaining local example of Googie-style roadside 
architecture. This style was once prevalent in Phoenix, with such classic examples as the two Helsing's coffee shops 
on Central Avenue at Osborn Road and Camelback Road and the first McDonald's "Golden Arches" prototype 
drive-in in America on Central Avenue just south of Indian School Road. Typical of 1950s roadside architecture, the 
City Center Motel utilizes futuristic, striking shapes and signage to attract the attention of passing drivers. Its lobby 
and porte cochere make a bold architectural statement while the guest room wings are fairly simple functional 
buildings that are little more than decorated boxes.
DocuSign Envelope ID: FEF926D6-9D72-4195-B915-8E3E71D46665
DocuSign Envelope ID: EA60CB6F-C45D-48B7-98EA-B2AD22B7D92E
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Application – Page 3 of 6 
TRT/DOC/00175 
IV. PROJECT INFORMATION
1.
Project Purpose.  Describe the primary purpose and objectives for the proposed project for which
HP grant funds would be expended, and the proposed use of the building.  Will the property be 
occupied at the end of the project, and if so, with what use?
2.
Contribution to Community Goals.  Describe how the project contributes to community values,
city economic development goals, and/or (where applicable) to the city downtown vision.  If you
have coordinated with neighborhood or community associations (highly encouraged), please
describe and attach documentation (letters of support).
3.
Project Plan.  Describe how the proposed project fits into an overall plan to rehabilitate the
building.
4.
Project Work Scope, Budget and Time Schedule.
a.) Cost estimates.  Cost estimates for all work items must be provided by licensed contractors, a
construction estimator or other qualified individuals.  Please attach actual estimates to the application.  
Ordinarily, at least two cost estimates are required for each work item, but exceptions may be 
allowed.  The City HP Office solely determines if the estimates are adequate.  Applicant does not 
need to pick the lower bid but must justify why the higher bid is chosen (where applicable).  
b.) Itemized budget. Include an itemized project list and budget for entire proposed project (including 
items not to be funded with Historic Preservation grant funds) using the form in Appendix A.   The 
applicant must demonstrate that the project items he/she is funding independently are equal or 
greater in dollar amount than those items in the grant request.  
 
 
The purpose it keep the historical part of the building live.  The property will be occupied by adding more amenities.
 
 
As it was build in 1959 will keep the same structure of the building and revitalize where its need it.
 
 
It will be part of the new building connection. 
DocuSign Envelope ID: FEF926D6-9D72-4195-B915-8E3E71D46665
DocuSign Envelope ID: EA60CB6F-C45D-48B7-98EA-B2AD22B7D92E
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Application – Page 4 of 6 
TRT/DOC/00175 
EXAMPLE OF ITEMIZED BUDGET FOR A PROJECT: 
Eligible Project Construction Items: 
Repoint brick walls on east and south facades 
$
8,000.00 
Repair/replace16 wood-frame double-hung windows 
$
12,000.00 
Structural roof truss repairs 
$
10,000.00 
New built-up foam roof 
$
10,000.00 
Eligible Architectural/Structural Expenses: 
Structural analysis of roof trusses 
(Architectural studies/drawings must relate directly to grant-
eligible work items only – cannot include work related to site 
plans, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, tenant improvements, 
etc.  Can include pre-agreement expenses within 6 months of 
application.)  
$
3,000.00 
A.
Total Eligible Expenses 
$
43,000.00 
Architectural/Structural expenses (limited to no more than 10% of request):
Amount $  3,000.00 
Percentage of Total Request 
7.0% 
Ineligible Construction Work to be Funded by Other Sources: 
Plumbing upgrades 
$
10,000.00 
Repair and refinish wood floors 
$
15,000.00 
Bring two bathrooms up to ADA compliance 
$
10,000.00 
Electrical rewiring 
$
15,000.00 
Installation of elevator to meet building code 
$
12,000.00 
B.
Total Ineligible Work Items:
$
62,000.00 
C.
Total Project Cost (A + B)
$
105,000.00 
D.
Percent Overmatch (must be at least 1.0) (Divide B / A)
1.44% 
B: $62,000.00 / A: $43,000.00 = 1.44%
c.) Descriptions of work items.  Include narrative descriptions for all itemized work items proposed for 
Historic Preservation grant funding.  Attach on a separate sheet using Appendix B.  If contractor 
bids/cost estimates included detailed descriptions, this item may not be necessary.  
Ex. of narrative description for one work item:   
Repair 16 wood-frame double-hung windows.  Project will replace two windows beyond repair in-
kind to match existing.  Fourteen windows need frame repair (new ledger, header and/or sill), sash 
repairs/replacement, and some new glass panes to replace missing and broken glass.  Refer to 
attached window-by-window assessment and itemization from contractor.   
d.) Detailed time schedule and work sequence.  Please attach a detailed time schedule for all 
proposed work items related to the full completion of this project – inside and out.  This should include 
items funded and not funded by the grant program.  Please list out work items sequentially in the 
order that they will be performed with approximate start and end dates for each work item.  The time 
schedule should address architectural/engineering work; permit schedule; beginning of construction 
work; performance of all work items; and project completion. 
5.
Project Financial Information.
Provide information regarding financial capability of owner to complete the project.  Such information
should include: Proforma profit/loss statements for the business proposed, bank statements or other
evidence that owner can obtain a loan from a bank, financial or lending institution to complete the project.
If the project is proposing to use federal tax credits, grants, or other financial incentives, please provide
evidence and information on the contribution of these sources and the status of these applications.
DocuSign Envelope ID: FEF926D6-9D72-4195-B915-8E3E71D46665
DocuSign Envelope ID: EA60CB6F-C45D-48B7-98EA-B2AD22B7D92E
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Application – Page 5 of 6 
TRT/DOC/00175 
6.
Drawings/Building Assessments.  Please attach:
a.) Scaled site plan showing location of main buildings, all outbuildings, existing & proposed fences and
walls, and property lines.  (This can be hand drawn or professionally drawn)  If additions, demolitions 
or other site changes are proposed, please indicate on site plan.   Indicate all areas of proposed work 
on the site plan (Note: Historic Preservation grant monies cannot be used for site work, new 
additions or demolitions of historic building fabric). 
b.) Conceptual Architectural plans or elevations drawn to scale showing all building facades on which 
work is to be performed, with notes depicting locations/description of specific work items.  Include roof 
plan when structural roof work is proposed.  These documents should be legible and no larger than 
11 X 17 inches in size.  HP Officer can agree to waive plans and elevations on a case-by-case basis 
depending on project circumstances and scope of work.  
c.) Structural or architectural building assessments that have already been completed for this 
building(s) where applicable. 
V.
INFORMATION ON PRIMARY LIENHOLDERS
The city's purchase of the Conservation Easement requires the consent of all lienholders.  A title report will 
be obtained by the City to verify all information provided.  Accuracy of this information is critical.  Consent 
from the lienholder(s) must be received prior to disbursement of any funds.   
1.
Primary mortgage company:
Contact person:
Correspondence address:
(Note: This is usually different
than the payment address)
Company telephone number:  
Company fax number:  
 
Loan number:  
2.
Secondary mortgage company:
Contact person:
Correspondence address:
(Note: This is usually different
than the payment address)
Company telephone number: 
Company fax number: 
 
Loan number: 
Beyond International
Jimmy Lam
15615 Alton Pkwy Suite 125, Irvine, CA 93618
(949) 656-7399
Don't have it yet
DocuSign Envelope ID: FEF926D6-9D72-4195-B915-8E3E71D46665
DocuSign Envelope ID: EA60CB6F-C45D-48B7-98EA-B2AD22B7D92E
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Application – Page 6 of 6 
TRT/DOC/00175 
 
VI. SIGNATURE 
I declare that I have reviewed the Warehouse and Threatened Building Program requirements, and am 
submitting this application in accordance with those requirements.  All information submitted is true to the best 
of my knowledge and belief.  I acknowledge that any error may affect its review and approval.  I understand 
that if I wish to change any aspect of the project after it has been approved, I must obtain the written consent 
of the City Historic Preservation Office.  I also understand that I will be required to obtain a Consent 
Agreement from my lienholder(s), and will sign and abide by the terms of the Deed of Conservation Easement 
and the Program Agreement.  I understand and agree that the City Historic Preservation Office staff can 
perform necessary site visits on my property at mutually agreed upon times to facilitate their review of this 
proposal.  
 
 
_______________________ 
Property Owner Signature 
 
Date 
 
 
 
_______________________ 
Property Owner Signature 
 
Date 
 
DocuSign Envelope ID: FEF926D6-9D72-4195-B915-8E3E71D46665
DocuSign Envelope ID: EA60CB6F-C45D-48B7-98EA-B2AD22B7D92E
2/6/2023
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

Historic Preservation Office 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Checklist 
Page 1 of 4 
For more information or for a copy of this publication in an alternate format, contact Planning & Development at 
(602) 262-7811 voice / (602) 534-5500 TTY.
S:\Historic Preservation\Handouts & Forms\Financial Incentives\WTB\WTB Checklist 
HP/DOC/00124 
WEB\pdd_hp_pdf_00124.pdf
Rev. 9/22 
CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATIONS  
1.
Applicant Cover Letter.
2.
Application Form.
3.
Attachments.
Please enclose the following items to complete your application (as noted previously in the application
form):

a. Historic Property Inventory Form, if available.  (Refer to page 2)

b. Photos of the property showing overall site, street views, exterior facades, and close-up views of
original/decorative features, and areas where work is to be performed.  (Refer to page 2) 

c. Contractor Estimates for all proposed construction items.  At least two cost estimates for each
item preferred.  (Refer to page 3) 

d. Itemized Budget.  Complete Appendix A.  (Refer to page 3)

e. Description of Work Items.  Complete Appendix B.  (Refer to page 4)

f. 
Detailed Time Schedule and Work Sequence.  (Refer to page 4)

g. Project Financial Information.  (Refer to page 4)

h. Drawings/Building Assessments.  (Refer to page 5)
One original copy of the application should be delivered to the Historic Preservation Office at the following 
address.  Incomplete submittals will be returned to the applicant and will not be reviewed. 
City of Phoenix 
Planning & Development Department 
Historic Preservation Office 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd floor 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
 
APPENDIX A:  ITEMIZED BUDGET 
Project Name:  
Property Address:  
Include an itemized project list and budget for proposed project (including all items not to be funded with 
Historic Preservation grant funds). 
Eligible Project Construction Items: 
Item Name 
 
Amount 








EV Hotel Phoenix
600 West Van Buren Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Preservation of Exterior Structure while building out the new structure
$ 275,000.00
Preservation of Signage Structure while building out the hotel
$ 75,000.00
Preservation of the Exterior awning and soffit
$ 90,000.00
Foundations: Repair of foundation on historic building
$ 25,000.00
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Checklist– Page 2 of 4 
TRT/DOC/00175 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eligible Architectural/Structural Expenses: 
Can only include expenses that relate directly to grant-eligible work items – cannot 
include work related to site plans, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, tenant 
improvements, etc.  (Pre-agreement expenses eligible within 6 months of application) 
Item Name 
 
Amount 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Total Eligible Expenses:  
 
 
 
 
Architectural/Structural expenses (limited to no more than 10% of request): 
 
Amount: __________ 
Percentage of Total Request: __________ 
Ineligible Construction Work to be Funded by Other Sources: 
Item Name 
 
Amount 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item Name 
 
Amount 
B. Total Ineligible Expenses:  
 
 
 
C. Total Project Cost (A. + B.): 
 
 
 
D. Percent Overmatch (must be at least 1.0) - Divide B / A 
 
 
 
 
/ 
 
= 
 
B 
/ 
A 
= 
Percent 
Overmatch 
 
 
 
 
 
Soft Costs / Engineer and Architecture Design necessary to preserve the historic building
$ 25,000.00
$ 490,000.00
$ 25,000.00
5.10%
Electrical
$ 2,125,000.00
Mechanical 
$ 2,245,000.00
Concrete and Foundations
$ 845,000.00
Masonry - Modular Component - Structural Steel
$ 7,505,800.00
General Construction - Finishes
$ 10,500,000.00
Contingency
$ 2,100,000.00
GC Cost
$ 1,100,000.00
$ 26,420,800.00
$ 26,910,800.00
53.92
$ 26,420,800.00
$ 490,000.00
53.92
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Checklist– Page 3 of 4 
TRT/DOC/00175 
 
APPENDIX B:  Narrative Description of Eligible Work Items 
Project Name:  
 
Property Address:  
 
Include narrative descriptions for all itemized work items proposed for Warehouse and Threatened Building 
funding in Appendix B. (construction items and architectural/structural expenses).  This should include a 
description of work to be performed and methodology to be used.   
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
EV Hotel Phoenix
600 West Van Buren Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Preservation of Exterior Structure while building out the new structure
Work necessary to preserve certain historic aspects of the structure
Preservation of Signage Structure while building out the hotel
Work necessary to preserve the Signage structure
Preservation of the Exterior awning and soffit
Work necessary to preserve the structure of the exterior awning and soffit
Foundations: Repair of foundation on historic building
Work necessary to preserve certain portions of the building's foundation so that the structure can be preserved
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1

City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department 
Warehouse & Threatened Building Grant Checklist– Page 4 of 4 
TRT/DOC/00175 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Work Item:  
 
Description:  
 
 
 
 
 
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3974D046-406A-451E-BA24-A0AD93E93BA1