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Minot planning commission approves Full Steam Ahead cup to convert former church into youth STEM/arts space
Summary
The planning commission unanimously approved a conditional-use permit for Full Steam Ahead to operate an indoor recreational and STEM-plus-arts program at a former church on 5th Street SW in central Minot, subject to building, ADA and parking requirements and a nontransferable license tied to the CUP.
The Minot Planning Commission on Oct. 7 unanimously approved a conditional-use permit allowing Full Steam Ahead to operate an indoor recreational and educational facility in a former church at 1405 5th Street Southwest.
City staff told commissioners the property is zoned R-1 (single-family residential) but the Land Development Ordinance allows a conditional use for a commercial recreational indoor facility with conditions. Staff recommended approval and said the permit will require building permits, an interior floor plan review, ADA compliance as applicable and that the permit will act as the citys license to operate the facility; the permit will be nontransferable and could be revoked following a show-cause hearing. Staff also noted two required off-street parking spaces plus up to six on-street spaces adjacent to the property.
Lisonbee Elk, executive director of Full Steam Ahead, described the nonprofits history in Minot since 2015, its origins as Makasine Kids Theater and its expansion into robotics, drone programming and coding. "We've been in Minot as a nonprofit since 2015," Elk said, calling the church building the "perfect size" for the organization and saying neighbors have been supportive.
Commissioners asked whether the facility is affiliated with the former church; staff said the building was vacant and was purchased by Full Steam Ahead. Commissioners praised the programs community value while noting parking and drop-off logistics. Commissioner Bowman encouraged the applicant to pursue a variance later if they seek to change parking allocations.
Commissioner Bowman moved to approve the CUP based on staff findings of fact; Commissioner Kibler seconded. A roll call produced affirmative votes from the commissioners present and the motion carried.
The permit carries conditions spelled out in the staff report, including required permits for any structural changes, compliance with local and federal regulations and submission of final plans to building inspections prior to issuance of permits. The commission did not place additional conditions beyond staffs recommendations.
