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Council backs a $15,000 feasibility study for proposed Thomasville event center and authorizes PACE Park planning
Summary
Council members agreed to participate in a feasibility study for a proposed Thomasville Community Event Center (aka Palace Theater) and committed $15,000 toward the study; they also authorized staff to begin initial streetscape and utility planning tied to the PACE Park redevelopment, noting coordination with NCDOT is required.
City Manager Michael Brandt presented an overview of a proposed Thomasville Community Event Center (also called the Palace Theater), framing it as a potential downtown development catalyst. Council members expressed mixed views about location feasibility, parking and ongoing operating costs, and emphasized the need for a comprehensive feasibility study.
Council agreed to participate in a feasibility study in partnership with PACE and the Tourism office and to contribute $15,000 toward the work so that outside consultants can assess economic viability, funding options and logistical constraints. Brandt said staff would develop a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the study and return it to Council.
Brandt also recommended early planning for streetscape improvements to align with PACE Park redevelopment, including examining water and sewer lines under downtown streets before redesigning surface infrastructure. Council unanimously supported staff beginning initial planning and noted coordination with NCDOT will be required for state-owned roads; Committee Member Scott Styers urged Parks & Recreation oversight to ensure improvements align with long-term recreational goals.
