By Sara Strong
Ben Vander Kooi, representing the Blue Mound Area Theater Board, requested financial help for the future of the Palace Theatre and got it.
The Luverne City Council Tuesday approved funding $15,000 of structural assessment and operational analysis.
"It's significant dollars, but I would add that it's a significant building," Vander Kooi said.
The Council's contribution will pay for about half of the studies’ costs, which will also be covered by grants.
Essentially, the studies will analyze the structure and determine whether the theater can be a successful, financially sustainable operation.
"This is probably the most prominent building in Luverne and the worry is, what will happen to it?" Vander Kooi said.
Roof work and other structural issues have kept the building back from all of its potential, Vander Kooi said. "We want to use the building, but use it in a smart way and take care of the deferred maintenance."
Local theater group, Green Earth Players, has said it will use the Palace for two shows, in November and April. The organ and other stage opportunities will be open for community use when the Palace is re-opened.
Now BMAT is looking for an operator, but that is secondary to finding what the building needs structurally.
BMAT recently purchased the Palace after a year of unsuccessful private ownership.