Survey about the possible purchase of the Reel Deal Theater & CB Fox
Seeking public feedback before the Council Mtg on March 16, 2021
Why is the Council considering this purchase?
The purchase of the CB Fox and Reel Deal properties is being considered because of the potential to impact community goals including improving our local business environment, providing more housing options, and increasing the vibrancy and amenities in our downtown. Following a discussion at their Dec 15, 2020 meeting, County Council voted to enter into an agreement to purchase the CB Fox and Reel Deal properties that includes a 90-day due diligence period (link to Dec. 15 agenda, minutes and video) . During the due diligence period County staff and their design consultant (FBT Architects) are investigating existing building conditions, restrictions, and opportunities for use that support community goals and priorities.
A private developer purchased the two properties last year but decided against pursuing options to use the properties as contemplated (for offices or storage).
At the Feb 16, 2021, Council Work Session, County Staff provided an interim update on the progress of the due diligence efforts to inform, educate and receive feedback on the information presented. Different usage scenarios were provided for each of the buildings (link to Feb. 16 agenda, powerpoint slides, minutes and video)
What is being proposed for future use if the County purchases the two buildings? Would the County retain the buildings?
For the 70-year old CB Fox building, three potential scenarios for mixed use redevelopment were summarized at the Feb. 16, 2021 work session: renovation of the building, partial demolition and rebuild, and completed demolition and rebuild. The role of the County would be to facilitate redevelopment in accordance with the community’s vision and needs, as spelled out in a development agreement (e.g. local preference for purchase of commercial space) possibly as a public/private partnership with a developer who would provide the funds and expertise for the project. At the end of the project, the County would not maintain ownership of the building or subdivided units. Other redevelopment efforts have used this model, for example, the recent sale of two lots on Trinity to Pet Pangaea LLC. These lots were purchased by the County, the buildings demolished, and then sold to a local business with the scope of the project bound by a development agreement.
The Reel Deal Theater building was evaluated in the context of a County run community asset with multiple potential program spaces. For example, one movie screen, a performance venue, a tween center, and space for a food bank are some of the initial ideas for how the space could be used.
No final decision has been made yet. At their meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Council will consider whether to proceed with the purchase based on the final reports from staff and their design consultant. The purpose of the reports is not to make final staff recommendations or seek decisions about the end uses, but solely to aid in deciding about purchasing the properties. If purchased, the final path forward and development conditions imposed or implemented by the County as the property owner will be informed by further discussion and public input.
Additional due diligence work is ongoing and will include further parking analysis and construction cost estimation. The scenarios given to Council (and the basis of the survey being conducted with the community – see survey link below) are only intended to provide a visual guide and framework to aid the discussion about what is feasible and what potential development scenarios could support the community’s strategic goals and plans. Furthermore, it is important to note that the scenarios presented all have variations and alternatives that could be considered, should the County decide to purchase the properties.