By Jolene Farley
The City of Hills is selling the Patriot Academy and barbershop property on Main Street. The council recently voted to advertise for sealed bids on the structure.
Kelly’s Roadhouse owner Kelly Demuth attended the Hills City Council meeting Monday as an interested buyer for the building, located next door to his bar.
Demuth told the council he’d like to open a café and arcade room in the space.
"There would be double doors between the bar and the café part," Demuth said, but wasn’t specific on a timetable for the project.
Demuth would also increase the amount of parking he owns if he purchases the building.
Mayor Jim Jellema informed Demuth that the city is obligated to advertise for bids on the building.
The Council added the following stipulations to the sale:
The council has the right to refuse any bids because of the intended use of the property,
The property is taxed commercial, and
Any business must be open within one year.
The bids will be opened at the April City Council meeting.
Barber Bud Hoogeveen operates his shop in the building, so the council decided to offer rental space in the Legion building to Hoogeveen for the same rent he currently pays.
Patriot Academy rented the remainder of the space until last fall when classes were moved to Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary School.
