City retains Junior Theater building; parks staff to manage maintenance and limited programming

Members of the advisory board asked for clarification about the status of the Junior Theater building after recent conveyance activity. Parks staff confirmed the city retained ownership of the theater building and will keep responsibility for custodial and maintenance tasks.

"We have retained ownership of the actual theater building," staff said, noting the building was not part of the developer's conveyance request and that the department intends to use the space primarily for main‑stage productions and seasonal showcases rather than broad community rentals given current staffing and facility plans.

Staff said the Head Start building’s lease has been extended for the coming year, which allows the department to continue using an adjacent parking lot in the short term. Parking and access concerns were raised by members, especially for patrons with limited mobility, and staff said they are coordinating with operations to reserve adjacent parking and manage snow/step maintenance for performances and end‑of‑session events.

On long‑term disposition, staff said the department has not reached a final decision; options include retaining the building for rental or operations or selling/offloading it if a centralized performing arts facility is developed in the future. Any sale or long‑term plan would require further council direction and funding commitments.

Next step: staff will continue to manage maintenance and coordinate parking logistics for upcoming productions, and will return with any suggested long‑term options as the city’s master planning proceeds.