The School Town of Munster announced it is stepping back from a potential Center for Visual and Performing Arts purchase, at least long enough to give the town the opportunity to consider a purchase.
The school town said it did a comprehensive evaluation of the arts center at 1040 Ridge Road, which the Community Foundation had let school officials know was available. The school town said it looked at how it would utilize the property, the existing infrastructure, the viability of maintaining current programming and services in the building, the operational costs, the community needs and preferences, potential benefits versus drawbacks, and the alignment with the district's long-term and short-term needs.
"Following a review process that involved thorough research, deliberation and discussions with various stakeholders, the School Town of Munster has decided to step back at this time from further consideration regarding the acquisition of the property located at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster," the school district said in a statement. "This decision reflects our commitment to prioritizing responsible and informed decision-making to best serve our community's interests. We believe in transparency and collaboration, and by stepping back from the acquisition process, we enable the Town of Munster to pursue its own evaluations and determine the property's suitability for its needs. Throughout this journey, we have valued the insights and perspectives shared by all stakeholders involved, and we remain committed to making choices that align with the long-term vision and well-being of our district and community."
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Hundreds of residents have encouraged the town to intervene and save the arts center, which is home to South Shore Arts, the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, the Theatre at the Center, Trama Catering and a banquet hall that hosts weddings, events and Sunday brunches. Some have encouraged the town to purchase the building, which is assessed at $10.7 million but which the School Town of Munster said was offered to it for $5.5 million.
Town Council President David Nellans said Monday a purchase would not "be a slam dunk" and would require extensive due diligence, including with the ongoing operational cost. He said it may not be available for the town to purchase, as Community Foundation discussed selling it to the school district but has not listed it on the open market.
The district had expressed interest in the property because it would adjoin its existing campus along Columbia Avenue, would allow it to replace its aging administration building without the need for new construction and would give it flexibility in the future. The schools had looked at keeping some of the arts programming there and hoped to retain South Shore Arts and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra but was not interested in staging events. The Community Foundation currently runs the Theatre at the Center while South Shore Arts and the symphony are independently run and funded organizations.
School Town of Munster Superintendent Bret Heller said the district did due diligence on the property and decided it wasn't the right time to go forward.
"We have indeed made the decision, based on an evaluation of the property, that the purchase opportunity, as currently presented, is not something that the School Town of Munster chooses to pursue further. Our decision stems from careful consideration of various factors related to our long-term facility plans and the specific needs of our community," he said. "During discussions with some members of the Munster Town Council and town leadership, it became apparent that they have an interest in the property and expressed their intention to conduct their own research and due diligence. Therefore, stepping back from this purchase will afford them the necessary time to undertake these efforts."
Heller said it would be too soon to say whether the school district would revisit a potential purchase of the arts center in the future.
"As for whether we would reconsider this property in the future, I prefer not to speculate. Our focus remains on moving forward with our School Town of Munster facility plans, which are designed to meet the evolving needs of our students and community. While this particular property may not be part of our current strategy, we remain open to exploring opportunities that align with our vision and objectives," he said. "Our focus remains on moving forward with our School Town of Munster facility projects without this property as part of those plans. Our facility planning is all about meeting the evolving needs of our students and community. While this particular property may not be part of our current strategy, we remain open to exploring opportunities that align with our vision and objectives."
Members of the Save the Munster CVPA Group were heartened by the decision.
"The news we received today about the Schools backing off was such a huge relief," Carolyn Jacobs said. "We have our work cut out for us, but at least we can take a breath and get to work on our next set of challenges."
Larry Brechner, who worked as both the Auditorium/Theater Company Director Administrator for the School Town of Munster and as the Theatre Administrator for The Center for Visual and Performing Arts and hosts the "Art on the Air" show on Lakeshore Public Radio, said the decision offers hope to the local arts community but doesn't mean the Center for Visual and Performing Arts is out of the woods yet.
"Obviously, I'm very pleased. What the school wanted to do with the facility did not have the community's support. The public wants to see it continue its current mission with South Shore Arts, the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and Trama Catering. This doesn't solve the problem if the Community Foundation no longer wants to hold onto the facility but it gives us some hope."
A look back at Northwest Indiana businesses that closed in 2023
A look back at Region businesses that closed in 2023
Beer Geeks, one of the Region's first, most beloved and most influential craft beer bars, closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.
The landmark 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting is coming down to be replaced with a newer, larger, more modern White Castle restaurant.Â
A longtime staple in downtown Crown Point poured its last drink.
The longtime Westforth Sports gun shop is closing.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be shuttered permanently.
Brewfest in Highland will close in what's been called "an end of an era."
David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and could close all stores if no buyer emerges to save it.
The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered with displays at museums in two different states.
For years, the "millionaire's club" met every morning in the corner booth of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The landmark restaurant served its final slider Tuesday.Â
One of Northwest Indiana's most popular and enduring hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner died.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, closed in downtown Whiting after a run of several years.
A Calumet Region institution, Calumet Fisheries on the far South Side of Chicago, is temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after city health inspectors shut it down, Calumet Fisheries suffered a major fire.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is no mas in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland rebranded as B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Troubled retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores nationwide as it looks to restructure and shrink its footprint to save the struggling business.
Peoples Bank has shuttered its branch in downtown Hammond.Â
Viking Artisan Ales will soon pour its last craft beer at its Merrillville taproom.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is closing after 15 years at one of Northwest Indiana's most prominent highway interchanges.
The Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest auto show, returns to McCormick Place Saturday, running through Feb. 19.