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Norris Alley project unveiled
McCOOK, Neb. — A little-used parking lot nestled between the Keystone Business Center and the historic Fox Theatre in downtown McCook is slated for a significant repurposing. Supporters of the project gathered Saturday afternoon at the Norris Avenue site to announce they had reached their first phase goal of $148,000.
The parking lot will be graded and resurfaced initially, followed by the installation of utilities for future fixtures and construction of outdoor lighting, a mechanical room, finished restrooms, a fence and semi-permanent tables, as part of the first phase. Subsequent phases include cosmetic upgrades, an enhanced outdoor dining area and construction of an indoor-outdoor catering building, among other amenities. The “Norris Alley Project” intends to transform the parking lot into McCook’s premier gathering space, an ideal place to enjoy a cup of coffee, host a reception or enjoy local musical talent in an intimate outdoor setting, according to organizers.
The idea of retooling the parking lot into a destination venue started as a simple conversation between Mark Graff and his wife Linda and grew from there. He said they noticed a need for an outdoor venue in downtown McCook and were quickly drawn to the site because of its locale between two landmark venues. The couple also saw it as a way to honor the most influential senator of the 20th century, McCook’s George Norris, which led to an instrumental partnership for the project with the Norris Institute.
Graff envisions the area as a popular destination for Friday afternoon activities, tailgate parties and as a hub for downtown promotional events, among other uses. He said organizers are prioritizing functionality early on in the construction process and wanted everything necessary for people to start utilizing the area worked into the first phase.
The catering building is slated for construction during the second phase of the project, with the third phase focusing on a lot of the cosmetic amenities, such as ideas for a fireplace feature or an outdoor fountain honoring George Norris and rural electrification.
“We are well on our way,” said Graff, indicating construction for phase one would begin in spring and be set for completion next summer. He said the entire three-phase project could be completed within a 36- month timeframe, “If everybody steps up.”
Graff called to the stage a group of supporters who he said were hugely instrumental in spearheading the project, including his brother Chad Graff, Bruce and Cathy McDowell, Denise Garey, Brad and Sharleen Riemenschneider, Jeff and Patty Tidyman and Jared Muehlenkamp.
Sharleen said later in the evening the Norris Alley project exuded an infectious enthusiasm for community, bridging all ages and economics. She said there were few projects that said “community” as well, likening it to the bricks installed on Norris Avenue.
“Those bricks are powerful. The people who walked on them, built business by them. They speak volumes about who we are,” she said.
Following the show of appreciation for the group, Emmy award-winning songwriter Jim Salestrom was welcomed to the stage. Salestrom’s performance provided a glimpse into what the Graffs envisioned for the space and served as the inaugural concert at Norris Alley.
Salestrom kicked off his performance with a tune laced with local lyrics, including a portion touting when he was “playing Norris Alley near the Fox,” among others.
“I want you to dream about what this place can become, then dream bigger,” said McCook Community College Vice President Andy Long, one of several community leaders participating in the event. Long said the alley project provides an opportunity for supporters to be able to proudly say, “I helped make that happen.”