by April Scheinoha
Reporter
City Auditorium will yet again be the subject of a study. At its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 23, the Pennington County Board approved utilizing BKV Group to study the costs of remodeling the county-owned facility to maintain its historic significance.
The latest study resulted from a recent environmental assessment worksheet related to the potential demolition of the building. In response to that worksheet, the State Historic Preservation Office sought documentation pertaining to the rehabilitation of the building.
BKV Group will be paid $15,000 for the study. American Rescue Plan Act funds will be used to cover the cost. About seven years ago, BKV Group completed a building study of City Auditorium while designing the Justice Center. County Coordinator Kevin Erickson said the new study is expected to be completed in four to six weeks.
While commissioners haven’t formally voted on how to proceed with the building, they have made their thoughts known. Commissioner Neil Peterson said he has received emails and text messages from individuals referring to past uses of the building, including its use as a storm shelter. Peterson noted the building isn’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the building currently doesn’t see much use.
It costs the county about $30,000 per year to maintain the nearly 90-year-old building. The county leases the building to the Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association, St. Bernard’s Catholic School and the City of Thief River Falls (for a city volleyball league). Rental fees don’t cover the cost of operating the building. “It’s costing the county more money to keep it as is,” said County Board Chairperson Seth Nelson.
If the building were to be remodeled, asbestos would need to be abated. Commissioner Bruce Lawrence called asbestos abatement “priority 1.”
Lawrence also referred to other needs, such as a new heating system. He said the electric boiler is reaching the end of its life and there are no more parts available for it. “There’s a lot of little issues here to be considered,” Lawrence said.
The county obtained City Auditorium and the Old Arena in 2008 as part of a swap with the City of Thief River Falls. The city received ownership of Oakland Park. Peterson reminded commissioners that the property swap was negotiated with the future expansion of county facilities in mind. Commissioners have discussed the future of City Auditorium ever since that time.
City Auditorium is located next door to the Government Center. The county is currently renovating the third floor of the Government Center to move the remainder of its Human Services Department staff there from the county’s Knight Avenue building. Commissioners are contemplating the demolition of City Auditorium to clear the way for additional parking.
Previously, in 2019, County Board approved a study to consider improvements to the building. The work was covered by grants and private donations. Besides ADA improvements, the proposal featured various options for the building. Since that time, it seems that public interest has waned in the building and its future.