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Highlands board gives community 60 days to propose alternatives before Playhouse demolition
Summary
After receiving two demolition bids and hearing public sentiment and cost estimates for rehabilitation, the Highlands Board voted to give the community 60 days and a work session opportunity to propose alternatives to tearing down the Playhouse building.
The Highlands Town Board on July 17 decided to give the community 60 days to propose alternatives for the Highlands Playhouse building before proceeding with demolition.
Town manager Josh Ward told the board the town received two proposals for demolition and that only one bid was acceptable: Bryson Grading and Paving at $75,523.50. Ward also relayed a request from Playhouse representative Pam Carver to salvage memorial bricks and some theatre chairs if demolition proceeds.
Why it matters: Board members cited a study that estimated full rehabilitation of the theater structure could cost in the multimillions. One commissioner paraphrased the earlier study’s estimate as roughly $2.6 million to fully renovate, and others referenced figures approaching $3 million–$3.5 million. The property’s deed restricts use to town/public purposes, which limits private‑sector redevelopment options, board members said.
Board action and next steps: Rather than immediately awarding a demolition contract, the board voted — by voice — to postpone a final demolition decision and asked staff and the local newspapers to publicize the opportunity for the community to bring ideas and funding plans. Commissioners also agreed to place the matter on a future work session agenda so interested parties could present formal proposals.
Details from the meeting: Several speakers urged one final outreach effort. Playhouse representative Pam Carver asked if memorial bricks and some salvageable theater chairs could be preserved for returning to volunteers or donors. Commissioners said local contractors could remove and preserve bricks and that the town would consider requests to salvage specific items. Staff noted that due to deed restrictions the property must be used for public, nonprofit or town purposes and not for general private profit uses.
Clarifications: The town manager said that of the two proposals received, only one met the town’s informal bidding criteria. The board directed staff to advertise the 60‑day window and to include discussion at the next work session. If no viable, funded alternative emerges within the period, commissioners indicated they will move forward with demolition planning.
Ending: The board’s motion to give the community a 60‑day period for proposals passed by voice vote; staff will schedule a work session and publicize the opportunity for proposals.
