Hugo council approves site plan for new Dance Unit studio

The Hugo City Council voted Dec. 15 to approve a site plan for KLG, LLC to construct a 9,000-square-foot commercial building at 13845 Forest Boulevard North that will house a dance studio known as The Dance Unit. Mayor Mary White moved to approve Resolution 2025-50; Council Member Muron seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

Kyle Gross, who identified himself as a co-owner of The Dance Unit, told the council the business opened in Hugo in fall 2020 and has grown from 44 students to roughly 260, about two-thirds of whom live in Hugo. “We’re feeling really at capacity,” Gross said. He described the proposed building as a long-term investment that would increase classroom space from three to five, allow expansion of adult and special-needs classes, and potentially serve up to about 500 students in the future.

Gross also described the studio’s community involvement — participation in the Hugo Good Neighbors Days parade and sponsorship of local school events — as part of the rationale for locating a permanent facility in the city. The council did not engage in extended debate on the site plan; the mayor congratulated the applicants and wished them success as the project moves forward.

The approval authorizes staff to proceed with the site-plan steps required by the city (permits and related inspections) before building permits and construction. No formal assessment or special financing was part of the council’s action on this agenda item.

Next steps include final permitting and coordination with city planning and building staff before construction begins.