Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Business Attraction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses offering $150K–$200K to rehab vacant clubhouse restaurant to attract operator
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether the city should offer capital support to update the Lonoke restaurant/clubhouse to entice a tenant. Staff suggested an allowance in the $150,000–$200,000 range and recommended lease concessions; commissioners directed staff to proceed with outreach and consider budget inclusion.
The Board of Commissioners discussed possible city financial assistance to update the vacant clubhouse restaurant (the Lonoke restaurant) and agreed to pursue proposals while leaving open leasing concessions and a limited capital allowance for an incoming operator.
City staff reported they had advertised for an operator and shown the facility to several interested parties. The building retains kitchen equipment but needs interior updates after a roof leak; the roof repair is complete and staff estimated booth replacement and interior refresh costs could be substantial. In the meeting, staff proposed the city offer an allowance in the $150,000–$200,000 range for tenant improvements to improve the property’s marketability.
Commissioners said they want to be a partner to any incoming restaurant operator and suggested structuring assistance as tenant-improvement draws and leasing concessions rather than operational subsidies. Staff noted proposals are due at the end of the month and recommended reaching back to interested parties to clarify whether the city will offer a capital-improvement allowance.
No binding commitment was made at the meeting; commissioners signaled support to include a placeholder in the capital-submittal and to negotiate terms with prospective tenants. The board did not vote on a specific dollar amount but discussed the $150,000–$200,000 range as a starting point for budgeting and negotiation.
Ending: Staff will contact parties that toured the property, consider including a capital-improvement allowance in upcoming budget discussions, and proceed with negotiations with prospective operators.
