West Dundee sets course for performing arts center
A resolution guiding the direction for a regional performing arts space proposed for downtown West Dundee is expected to receive unanimous board support when it comes up for a vote later this month.
The village board will vote at its regular board meeting Oct. 15 on a resolution for the Fox Valley Performing Arts Center, which local architect Rick Browne has proposed for the former Ziegler Ace Hardware at 118 S. First St. The village purchased the building in 2010 and would rent the space to the performing arts center with an option to purchase the property.
Trustee Norm Osth, who has been the lone dissenting vote against the performing arts center, said he now supports the project because the resolution provides clear expectations and goals for both the village and backers of the performing arts center.
“We have some strict parameters,” Osth said Tuesday. “We are not going to say, ‘Do what you need to do and we will give you the money.’ Now, we have protected the village from unexpected consequences and unexpected expenses. I never voted in favor before because we never spelled out what the parameters are.”
Under the private-public partnership between the performing arts center and the village, Osth said, West Dundee will contribute at least $150,000 toward the initial construction. The village will disburse the funds on a pro-rata basis. For example, when 50 percent of the initial construction is completed, the village will contribute half of the $150,000.
The Fox Valley Performing Arts Center has proposed investing $1.8 million into creating a 258-seat performing arts venue that will be rented out to various dance, theater, movie and arts organizations, as well as local school and park districts, the resolution said. Browne said he wants to raise $1 million before August 2013, with the final $800,000 raised before August 2014.
“We’re right now at the idea stage and developing some good direction so that the public understands that the village is not paying for the development or the project,” Browne said.