Arts and conference center concept to be presented to Mid Plains College board

NORTH PLATTE -- A proposal to create an attractive, functional and technically advanced theater and related instructional space in downtown McCook will be presented as an informational item to the Mid Plains Community College Board of Governors at its regular meeting Wednesday night.

Ron Friehe of the McCook group exploring the project, will make the presentation during the meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the McDonald-Belton Campus conference room 107 in North Platte.

According to information in the board's agenda, the project would use the historic Fox Theater as part of a complex for theater, drama, music, sets and stage design, dance and related programs.

The proposal would include remodeling and an addition to the Fox Theater, which would be updated to improve its functionality while maintaining its character. A new addition adjacent to the Fox would provide backstage support space for performers, sets and storage, plus a "blackbox" theater, instructional rooms and office space.

A large room for conferences and exhibits would expand the reception area, with a façade connecting the Fox Theater and Keystone Hotel.

Projected to cost $1.5-2 million, the project is envisioned as a not-for-profit organization involving a partnership of various entities. "The theater and instructional space could potentially be leased by the college," according to the material. "An ongoing project team will keep the facilities working together for everyone's benefit."