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Winona city officials this week started seeking architectural proposals for the arena concept that’s been discussed since December. Arena supporters hope the search will yield flexible, innovative designs that quell skepticism about whether a single arena can host a diverse slate of events.
Winona State University backers and local arts supporters helping design the proposed arena envision one facility with multiple venues that could host WSU sports, Great River Shakespeare Festival shows, concerts and conventions. But City Council member Deb Salyards and mayoral candidates Clarence Russell and Haakon Nelson have said they’re not convinced that the many-events-under-one-roof concept is feasible or that Winona residents want it.
Arena supporter Mayor Jerry Miller says critics should keep an open mind about the project, which would be paid for through a combination of private pledges and state funds. When city officials start reviewing design submissions next month, Miller said they’ll have a better idea if architects can produce a facility that’s affordable and versatile.
“It’s worth looking into,” said Miller, who has courted a group of WSU backers that have pledged up to $5 million for the project. “If anything, it will open our eyes to things we don’t know of today.”
A request sent out by city officials last week tells architects that privately funded projects, like hotels or conference centers adjacent to the arena, also could be included as part of the proposed design. The city hopes to select an architect by November and have a proposal nearly finalized by late summer 2009. Supporters hope to ask the Minnesota Legislature in 2010 for about $25 million in bonding dollars for the project.
The Legislature already appropriated $250,000 in 2006 to study the proposal; those funds will pay for the architectural proposals the city is seeking.
Previous cost estimates for the arena were roughly $30 million, though the request seeks proposals costing between $30 million and $40 million. City Manager Eric Sorensen said the committee issued the pricier estimates to encourage as many responses as possible to the request. But Sorensen said it is unlikely state legislators would allocate enough money to fund a $40 million arena, and he doesn’t expect city tax dollars will cover the balance. The only potential contribution of city funds might come through land acquisition, Sorensen said.
“I would be surprised if the real project goes beyond $30 million. … That’s what we call a political reality,” he said.
If the request doesn’t yield any suitable proposals, Miller said supporters of the project won’t give up but likely will step back and rethink the concept.
Salyards previously has said she doesn’t think one venue can accommodate so many different events. She said Friday she’ll try to keep an open mind about the project, but that it will be “a hard sell.”
“These are tough times,” Salyards said. “These are kind of luxury items — that’s how I look at an arena.”
Mark Sommerhauser may be reached at (507) 453-3514 or at msommerhauser@
winonadailynews.com
Big D wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:57 PM: