Superior residents divided over civic auditorium
by
Katie Gauthier
Story Created:
Jan 19, 2012 at 6:38 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jan 19, 2012 at 7:17 PM CDT
Rural Nebraska towns don't always face the same problems that larger metropolitan cities do. But sometimes it's the smaller issues that raise the most controversy.
That's the story right now in Superior as the Superior Auditorium could be facing its final days.
Superior's civic auditorium was built back in the 1930s. Last week Superior City Council voted 4 to 2 to accept a demolition bid for the Auditorium.
But there's a catch. For the price of one dollar, the Auditorium Restoration Committee can take the building off the city's hands and renovate it themselves. They have to make their decision by February 13th.
"It's very divided, the whole community's divided," said City Council member Bob Tipton.
The town of Superior normally sticks together.
"It's lived its life. It'd be cheaper to build a new one," said Tipton.
But, the community is starkly divided right now over what do with a city landmark.
"I'd like to see it stay up," Tipton said.
After several booming decades the Superior Auditorium's doors were closed in 1997.
"Because of neglect, cost, some vandalism," said Tipton.
And have remained locked ever since.
But it's a historic building that most of the town holds dear.
"There are people that have lived in the community for many, many years, have seen the auditorium in a thriving state," said City Council member Jeremy Littrell.
Even the council members would like to see the building stand.
Just not through tax payer dollars.
"I think most of the city or what would be the wishes of the city council is that the auditorium committee would step in, purchase the building and take it on as a private endeavor," Littrell said.
The auditorium used to thrive. The streets used to be packed with cars, people trying to get indoors.
Used as a school gym at one point, as well as auctions, it was a community gathering place.
And the public can help.
"I think the public could get behind the Auditorium Restoration Committee and support them financially,"said Tipton.
"They're taking donations for the building," Littrell said.
It's going to cost a lot of money to restore the building, fix asbestos problems, make it handicap accessible, and bring the building up to code.
"To refurbish it, it costs several million dollars," said Tipton.
Which adds fuel to the fire for some.
"It's a waste of money and the economy's not that good down here," said one resident.
If saved, some hope to put the building to good use for the city.
No matter which side of the fence you are on about the issue,
One thing's for sure.
"It's a very difficult decision and it has not been one that has been easy," Littrell said.
If the Auditorium Restoration Committee does decide to purchase the building from the city for one dollar by February 13th.
Then with the purchase, council will place $185,000 in the project towards growth for the committee to use as they please.
However, if they don't purchase it the demolition company will be contacted and after around 90 days the building will be torn down.
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