Public commenters propose converting Methodist Homes gymnasium into a multipurpose theater
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Public commenters presented photos and a rough feasibility case for repurposing the Methodist Homes gymnasium as a black-box theater and community multipurpose venue, noting limited paved parking, the poor condition of a cafeteria building, and that 'a couple million' might make the gym usable.
During public comment, contributors urged consideration of the Methodist Homes property as a quick-delivery multipurpose venue if the bond package includes downtown or cultural projects.
Craig (Unidentified Speaker 9) and colleagues from the community theater described the gymnasium's footprint, plaza area and outdoor space and said photos were available for the committee to review. Craig said the cafeteria building on the site is in poor condition and many other buildings are dormitory-style, but the gym could be converted into a black-box theater and meeting space.
On cost, Craig offered a preliminary, nontechnical estimate: he "didn't crunch any numbers" but suggested that "you throw couple of million dollars at that thing, and you could make a very functional facility." Commenters also suggested pavement strategies (using pervious pavement to limit stormwater runoff) and noted current limited paved parking but ample space for parking expansion.
Committee members said ownership and parceling history have complicated prior efforts to secure the site; one member reported the industrial authority previously said the seller intended to sell the property as a single large track, though there were recent indications parcels might be available.
The public comment closed with an offer to arrange a site tour for committee members and a request for staff to explore contract or acquisition options if the committee wishes to pursue the site further.