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Sedona film festival proposes four‑screen theater at Western Gateway, asks city for land lease and infrastructure help
Summary
The Sedona International Film Festival pitched a privately funded four‑theater complex and flexible event space at the Western Gateway, seeking a favorable land lease (or future purchase option) and city assistance with utility and street infrastructure. Council asked staff to explore options and to keep the Cultural Park master plan intact.
Pat Schweiss, executive director of the Sedona International Film Festival, told the council the festival is seeking a frontage parcel on Highway 89A at the Western Gateway to build a four‑theater complex with a convertible event space, offices and a small commercial kitchen. "We are funding it entirely ourselves through fundraising efforts, donations, sponsorships," Schweiss said, asking the city for a good land lease or a potential multi‑year purchase option.
Board member Bob Lewis outlined the proposal's layout and parking strategy, saying the plan places theaters at the highway edge with parking wrapped to the rear and shuttle service during peak events. He described the largest hall as a 300–350‑seat music/performance venue and proposed a 150‑seat space with removable seating for galas, TED‑style talks and wedding receptions.
Councilors pressed presenters on parking ratios (the team cited one spot per three seats as their working ratio), shared‑parking agreements with Yavapai College and the potential for the site to reduce festival traffic in Uptown Sedona. The festival team said they had talked with Yavapai College and other partners about VIP parking and programming.
Council discussion focused on process, timing and legal constraints: staff noted zoning and the master plan will guide any development, and the council reiterated that any sale or lease must follow procurement and public‑meeting rules. Several councilors said they were comfortable "exploring" a phase‑out or subdivision of a portion of the Cultural Park parcel for SIF as a pilot, subject to staff vetting and later public review.
Next steps: Council did not vote. The presenters said they will continue fundraising and asked to begin formal discussions with planning, public works and legal staff. City staff will advise the council on zoning requirements, procurement constraints and any gift‑clause or fair‑market considerations before a formal agreement is negotiated.
