The Kimball Art Center’s decision to leave Old Town is disappointing to several local leaders and Main Street merchants.
Park City Council member Andy Beerman said he is still holding out hope the art center will reconsider.
“I was surprised and disappointed. I’d like to find a way to keep them on the street. As a downtown business person, a council member and local resident, I see them as a real asset to the street. I wish we could find a middle ground,” said Beerman.
However, as of Thursday, the KAC remained firm in its decision to scout for a new location outside of the historic district, saying it would not attempt another application at that site.
According to the center’s executive director, Robin Marrouche, “As a nonprofit who must fundraise for every dollar we spend, we have already spent so much time and money on this process that we don’t have any additional resources to commit.”
The city and art center came to an impasse over the proposed architectural design calling for a dramatic 46-foot-tall peaked entryway on the KAC’s plaza at the corner of Main Street and Heber Avenue. The planners rejected the application saying it was out of character with the historic district. The art center had the opportunity to appeal that decision to the city’s Historic Preservation Board but declined to do so.
Park City Manager Diane Foster said she, too, was disappointed by the art center’s decision to move out of Old Town. “I’d hate to see them leave Main Street. They are important to the fabric of Main Street and the community,” she said.
While the appeal deadline has passed, the KAC could come back to the city with a new application, Foster said. However, according to the KAC, that is unlikely.
Foster said the planning staff provided a detailed 10-page letter with over 100 findings of fact explaining where the design was in and out of compliance.
“Here’s the funny part,” Foster said. “I liked their design, but whether I like it or not doesn’t matter. What does matter is if it adheres to the code. That’s good governance.”
In his role as a councilman, Beerman said he faced the same dilemma. “It wasn’t for a lack of desire to make this work, but we have only so much latitude. We have to live with the rules we pass.”
contrast, Jim Tedford, a local resident and vocal critic of the KAC’s design, was not surprised at all.
“When they presented their first design and were asking for a code change in August of 2012, I testified that was not going to fit on Main Street. Here we are two years later and no, I am not surprised it was denied,” he said.
“But if they find a big lot, with parking and a cool design outside of the historic district, that would be great,” Tedford added.