Parks & Recreation advisors are exploring the purchase of the Carson Valley Cinemas as a venue.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
A proposal to purchase Carson Valley Cinemas for a cultural and performing arts community center is still at the pitch stage, according to Carson Valley Arts Council President Brian Fitzgerald.
“Public input is critical, and (Tuesday’s) meeting of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will be an initial platform to see what people think of the idea,” Fitzgerald said on Friday. “If things move forward, a memorandum of understanding will be formed that dictates the responsibilities for the arts council and the county.”
The Douglas County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meets 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the cinemas, 1760 Highway 395, Minden.
The news that the arts council and the county were seeking to purchase the theater in the Ironwood Center prompted questions about the fate of the Copeland Building.
“Carson Valley Arts Council may need to tap into the equity of the Copeland property to help make the vision of a mid-sized, fixed-seat theater occur over at the cinema complex,” Fitzgerald said. “Depending on how the details are drawn up, it could create an alternative vision for the Copeland property.”
The arts council has an architect under contract, and he has been director to include the possibility of creating a complex for artisans and makers in the building.
“I believe such a facility in our downtown corridor would provide great opportunities for local artists and makers,” Fitzgerald said. “Imagine having a place for woodturners, metal works, ceramics, glass blowers, jewelry makers and others. It would be a cool space within the warehouse of the Copeland with those awesome, exposed trusses and roll up doors. It would also be a place for residents and visitors to watch artists at work and have an opportunity to view and purchase their creations.”
He suggested the architect look at the Curious Forge in Nevada City and Fulton Crossing in Fulton, Calif.
The building was constructed in 1998 as a multiplex and has had a few owners willing to try out the theater business.
The theater last sold in 2015 for $1.1 million, according to the Douglas County Assessor’s Office. That was down from $2.33 million paid in a bankruptcy sale in 2013.
According to an NAI Alliance listing, the cinemas are fully equipped with all the fixtures, projectors eight screens and concession and other equipment. The 23,026 square foot building could be used as a theater or converted to retail use.
