Marshall Mitchell: Mitchell City Council requests new architect plans, more chair options for Corn Palace

Mitchell: Recently, the Mitchell City Council has been buzzing about the Corn Palace. They want to spruce it up and even expand it a bit. During a meeting, Council member Susan Tjarks brought up the idea of getting architect Robin Miller to draft some new plans.

Back in January 2022, Miller had already presented three designs that could cost between $18 million and $42 million. But since then, nothing has been signed. The council is now focusing on revamping the stage area and possibly adding more seating.

Council member Jeff Smith mentioned that they could replace some seats on the west side while looking into expanding the venue to the east. Mayor Jordan Hanson asked if they had a budget in mind, and Tjarks emphasized how crucial the Corn Palace is for the community’s economy.

Hanson and Corn Palace Director Dave Sietsema plan to reach out to various tournaments to see if they’d consider the venue if renovations happen. The state guidelines require a minimum of 5,500 seats for certain events, but recent tournaments have been held at smaller venues.

Tjarks quoted the famous line from “Field of Dreams,” saying, “If you build it, they will come.” But Hanson was cautious, recalling a Parks and Recreation episode about a failed ice rink. He stressed the importance of protecting the community’s interests.

The Corn Palace is a big deal for Mitchell, and Tjarks believes investing in it could boost sales tax revenue, which makes up a significant portion of the city’s budget. She pointed out that some facilities, like the boiler and freight elevator, need replacing, so it makes sense to invest wisely.

The council discussed the ongoing maintenance costs of the current chairs, which are 30 years old. They’ve already spent $7,000 reupholstering some of them. The mayor presented options for new chairs, costing between $435,000 and $472,000.

Council member Mike Bathke shared a story about how a bad bed at a motel can ruin a stay, emphasizing the need for comfortable seating. They need to decide soon, as the timeline for new seats is tight before the Corn Palace Festival.

Bathke raised concerns about whether tourism would significantly grow the town, even if the Corn Palace is improved. Smith mentioned that previous designs included expanding the stage and adding more seating.

Hanson expressed frustration that the architect kept presenting the same costly plan. Tjarks suggested using reserve funds for the renovations and looking for sponsorships to help cover costs.

City Administrator Stephanie Ellwein is working hard to find budget options for the expansion. There’s a chance they could afford it, and Smith mentioned the potential for adding 1,000 more seats.

In 2022, the HVAC system replacement was estimated at around $6 million, regardless of other improvements. Jeff Logan, a former theater owner, urged the council to explore more chair options and not rush the bidding process.

He recommended an American-made Irwin seat, which he believes is the best choice. Logan also stressed the importance of hiring an architect who specializes in arenas to avoid costly mistakes.

He even suggested moving City Hall offices to make room for the Corn Palace expansion. Logan passionately described the Corn Palace as the community’s “Mount Rushmore,” highlighting its significance for local businesses and jobs.

Residents can share their thoughts on the Corn Palace expansion at upcoming city council meetings, with the next one scheduled for January 21 at 6 p.m.