Fundamental entities needed for the development of the proposed, Jasper Cultural Center have finally found their third pillar with private developer CITY Properties Group of Louisville chosen for the project.
The Jasper Library Board and the Jasper Arts Commission gathered Tuesday afternoon looking to make a decision on choosing a private developer based on a proposal submitted back on Feb. 1st and a special review sub-committee who conducted an on-sight interview on Feb. 16th. Tuesday’s meeting consisted of the great majority of members from both the Library board and Jasper Arts Commission.
Yesterday, the sub-committee began the meeting by providing a slideshow of their findings from their on-sight interview with CITY Properties Group. The images demonstrated buildings the private developer has redeveloped or had some sort of influence to its current function.
Jasper Public Library Board President, Dean Vonderheide, shared how the sub-committee who traveled to Louisville had met the owner of CITY Properties and gained profound information about the developer and pointed to the company’s good track record in regards to their ability of handling the project financially.
After all members from both the Library and Arts groups discussed the developers potential role if chosen, a final decision had to be made. The Jasper Arts Commission was first to motion for approving to enter into agreement with the CITY Properties Group for the project and have the working sub-committee create an agreement to bring back to both the Library Board & Arts Commission.
All members of the Arts Commission approved their motion while the library board made their own initiated motion for the same agreement and also approved.
CITY Properties Group is a real estate development firm that is known for creating unique mixed-use properties. Some that were mentioned ranged from developing unused buildings and creating multi-purpose buildings that include apartments, restaurants, and more all in in the same location. They also have a specialty of redeveloping historic buildings such as the former Hoosier Desk site with preservation guideline techniques.
A tentative Joint Library Board and Arts Commission public meeting is set for April 5th at 5:30 pm.
