One of the grants approved by the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission was for a feasibility and marketing study to look into possibly creating a conference center/performing arts center in downtown Warsaw.
The commission approved $30,000 for the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation to have a market and feasibility study done related to a new conference center/performing arts center downtown Warsaw.
Suzie Light went before the commission to represent KEDCO. She said KEDCO was requesting $50,000 from the commission, which was a portion of the estimated $100,000 cost of the study.
The feasibility and market study is going to identify whether that type of center is even feasible in the area. Light said there has been discussion for years that Warsaw needed a conference center. The study will provide the information if it is feasible.
The study is part of the first phase of a project. Light said there is some urgency for the first phase. In order to be eligible for ready-to-go funding through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, it has to be on the strategic development plan for KEDCO by October, she said. The decision on projects that get funding from the IEDC will be made in December and funds will be released in January.
Whether a conference center/performing arts center is viable in downtown Warsaw has not been analyzed yet. Light said Warsaw misses out on a lot of conferences because the city doesn’t have the meeting room capacity available.
Before a developer can be brought in, Light said there has to be data proving the project is feasible.
Light said the city of Warsaw has committed funding. KEDCO will also receive money through the special fund through the county. Main Street Warsaw and Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce said they could help, and there are other possible sources of funding through some nonprofit organizations.
Also, after tabling a decision for a request to help the Wagon Wheel White Hill project in May, the commission approved giving $40,000 to the Wagon Wheel.
In May, Wagon Wheel Executive Director Lakesha Green went before the commission to ask for $232,835 for phase two of its White Hill project. Commission Vice President Mark Skibowski asked for a breakdown on all the costs. The commission tabled a decision during its May meeting.
Wednesday, Green appeared before the commission again and said Wagon Wheel did due diligence of what the commission wanted and talked with the board of directors.
Green said on Wednesday, the Wagon Wheel was asking for $77,000 to ensure sustainability and safety with the windows at White Hill. Green said they want to make sure they are ADA compliant.
Thomas Burnworth, from Milestone Construction, said the plan was to replace windows at White Hill. Bedroom windows will be replaced first and then windows in shared living spaces. The windows are currently metal windows and replacement windows that have parts that don’t come off. The plan is to replace the windows so people can get out of the building through the windows in case of fire or something similar. Replacement of windows is planned for the fall.
Green said if the Wagon Wheel didn’t get the full $77,000 requested, the Wagon Wheel would have to pay out-of-pocket as there aren’t a lot of grants that pay for infrastructure issues.
In other business, the commission approved:
• $60,530 for a 16-by-8-foot digital sign for the Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau to replace their static sign.
Executive Director Cori Humes said she believes the current sign was built at the same time the building was 30 or 40 years ago. The lifespan of the digital sign is 15-plus years and there will be a three-month process to replace the sign.
• $50,000 for the City-County Athletic Complex to remodel the west side concessions and restrooms. Any funds that are not used will be returned to the commission.
• $15,000 for the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams for its algae project. Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Lilly Center, said currently, the biggest threat to people enjoying the lakes in the area is toxins from algae. He said he was asking 5% of the center’s total cost to address that.
• $7,703.28 for Lake City Skiers to help cover costs for two quarters due to increased prices.
• $5,000 for the Classic Arts Programs Inc. for their Christmas concert with the Kings Brass at the Winona Heritage Room.
They are planning on adding a third performance. Musicians have to be put up in hotels on Dec. 8-10 for the three performances.