12-08-2020 CCM Workshop (Artspace Report on State Theatre)HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORKSHOP
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020, AT 4:00 P.M.
CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Call to Order
Mayor Forcier called the meeting to order. Members present were Mary Christensen, Steve Cook,
Chad Czmowski and Dave Sebesta. Other present was Matt Jaunich, City Administrator
DISCUSSION/REVIEW ITEMS
1. Hutchinson State Theatre — Sustainable Facilities Analysis
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, spoke before the group. Mr. Jaunich noted that this workshop
is not about the City considering purchasing the State Theatre. The purpose of the workshop is to
review an analysis completed by Artspace for the repurposing of the historic State Theatre. This
analysis ties back to the Downtown Master Plan and the City's Strategic Plan.
Wendy Holmes, Artspace, presented before the Council. Ms. Holmes explained that the purpose
of the report was to analyze the impact of converting the current three -screen movie house into a
mixed -use building for a variety of community uses. The report proposes converting the main
theatre into a multipurpose live theater and performance venue, retaining the first floor small
theater as a movie theater, retaining the second floor theater as a movie theater with possible
conversion to two apartments in 2025, retaining existing four apartments, developing a cafe in the
vacant space adjacent to the resident lobby and using the lower level space for a combination of
storage and artist work space. The proposed concept could be accomplished through public
investment, private investment or a combination of a public -private partnership. Ms. Holmes and
her partner, Naomi Marx, provided information on capital costs and revenue for each concept.
Estimated total development costs for converting the main theater into a multipurpose theater and
live performance space and construction costs of a cafe are $530,900. Estimated total
development costs for the two apartments, which includes hard construction costs and
professional fees is $585,020. Artspace also reviewed projected operating budgets, which in year
one is estimated at $18,815. General discussion was held on ticket sales, cafe revenue,
entertainment, etc.
Council Member Cook asked if there were grant opportunities for renovations. Ms. Holmes
noted that potential investors that took part in the community focus groups showed interest in
opportunities. It was noted that Legacy funds may be available or perhaps from other local
foundations such as Southwest Initiative Foundation.
Some questions were raised about the type of live music that will perform in Hutchinson.
Erica Durheim, member of the public, presented before the group. Ms. Durheim had questions
about construction costs and theater space. She asked about backstage space and green room
space as she didn't see any listed in the plans. Ms. Durheim also noted that she did not see any
space for loading/unloading docks for bands and such. Artspace noted that construction costs
mainly centered around a live performance stage only. The other items (loading dock, etc.) were
not included as the analysis was to focus on converting a movie theater to a live music venue (not
necessarily a performance theater).
Council Member Cook noted that the next phase that the Council is going to consider is to meet
with local user groups to identify items such as Ms. Durheim mentioned.
Carol Johnson, member of the public, presented before the group. Ms. Johnson asked if any
consideration was ever given to converting the old opera house on Main Street. It was noted that
the analysis was only done on State Theatre. Ms. Johnson raised concerns with the owners of the
State Theater losing any investment they have made to the State Theater.
Austin Paollilo, member of the public, asked if the number of live bands performing in a year
(30) being projected is conservative or generous. Ms. Holmes noted that she feels it is
conservative for Hutchinson.
Ms. Holmes noted that the next phase of this project would be meeting with user groups to gather
information such as Ms. Durheim provided.
Motion by Sebesta, second by Christensen, to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Roll call vote was taken:
Czmowski — aye; Cook — aye; Sebesta — aye; Christensen — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier Matthew Jaunich
Mayor City Administrator