Deerwood Auditorium on board's agenda
The Deerwood Auditorium's restoration project will be back before Crow Wing County commissioners Tuesday.
At issue is whether the board will support a request to forgive a payback portion of a Small Cities Development grant that is going toward an exterior restoration of the landmark stone auditorium in Deerwood.
At the May 25 county board meeting, commissioners were divided on the issue.
The Deerwood Auditorium, built in 1936 and on the National Historic Registry and shown in this 2009 photo, has housed many community events over the years from wedding receptions to concerts to political gatherings to youth activities. The building is a landmark on the Cuyuna Range.
Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
The Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corp. requested the change, which was supported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The grant money, awarded in a competitive process, is part of federal funding to benefit low-to-moderate incomes, eliminate blight or be an urgent public threat.
In May, the board discussion centered on whether forgiving a payback of half of the original $130,000 in funding was sending a message to other applicants that payback portions would not be required. The paybacks were to be used to establish a revolving loan fund.
Sheila Haverkamp, BLADC executive director, told the board the Deerwood Auditorium stood out as a community project and the mayors of the communities involved in the grant - Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood and Emily - supported forgiving the loan payback for the auditorium.
The Cuyuna Range cities of Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood and Emily applied for the grant in 2008 and were awarded about $770,000. Most of the grant money has not been used and the 30-month time period for the funding will expire at year's end. The recession played a role in slowing interest for the funding and any spending, Haverkamp said.
The landmark Deerwood Auditorium, which is on the National Historic Registry, was built in 1936 for $43,000. Over the years periodic maintenance was done but the city was faced with a decision on whether to restore the auditorium, sell it or demolish it. The question for the small city of Deerwood was how to restore the building and how to pay for the cost.
The recession proved to be helpful as bids to repair the exterior structure first expected to cost $412,000 came in at half that expense. Future phases may be used to renovate the interior. The grants will actually exceed the bid but will pay for architect fees. The auditorium has been used for wedding receptions, concerts, fundraisers, community gatherings, youth activities and church-related events. The building seats up to 1,000 people.
The board delayed a decision in May as Commissioner Doug Houge, who represents the area, was absent. Deerwood Mayor Mike Aulie expects to attend Tuesday's meeting.
Aulie said the city has selected the qualified low bidder but can't issue a final contract until the county board responds one way or the other.
"We just need to move forward," Aulie said. "There are a lot of people who don't want to see us lose another landmark."
Aulie said in the entire area, the building is unique in providing a multipurpose space of such size, which is why the mayors of the area cities supported forgiving the $65,000.
"The only thing holding this up is approval from the county board," Aulie said. "One way or another the county board has to make a decision."
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.