Main Street lot to become art gallery

If anyone within the Sundance community objects to a gallery opening at the end of Main Street, they did not attend last week’s public hearing to say so. The Sundance City Council will move ahead with selling the corner lot to local artist Bruce Speidel.

The lot in question used to house the North Pole Meat Locker. It came into the city’s possession after plans to construct a veterans’ hall fell through; in 2019, the council opted to spend $25,000 to purchase the land outright. It has since been used as a pocket park.

Speidel approached the council a few months ago to ask if the city would be willing to sell the plot. He presented plans to construct an art gallery.

At that time, the council said that economic development would be the major deciding factor in any discussion of selling the land. Council members were supportive of the idea and kick-started the process of selling the land.

At last week’s hearing, Mayor Paul Brooks stated that he personally supports the sale because, “It’s a good thing to keep storefronts on the main drag. I think it gives the impression that the town is open and I think that’s very important.”

Sheryl Klocker of the Sundance Economic Development Committee stated that she is thankful someone wants to take up a slot on Main Street while providing additional tax revenue to the city.

Property and sales tax are indeed among the economic benefits, Brooks said, while the gallery will also draw people “closer to the core of the city.”

Speidel provided an update on his plans, which will likely now see a one-story building constructed on the lot instead of the original two-story gallery due to the results of a review from the state fire marshal. He expressed appreciation to the council and city staff for enabling him to pursue this opportunity.

A motion was passed to allow the sale to move forward. The lot will be sold for $30,000, which is slightly above the market value as appraised.