Gering Moves Forward on Sun Mart Remodeling

from www.kneb.com

Gering moves forward on remodeling old Sun-Mart building
Published Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 08:27 AM

The Gering city council Monday night moved forward with plans to place the city's library and a small business development center in the old Sun-Mart grocery building by approving a request for qualifications from architects.

The document requesting architects to provide their experience in providing designs for multi-use buildings says the project consists of remodeling approximately 27,000 square feet of space, approximately 45% of it for the library, 45% for the small business development center, and 10% common use space such as conference rooms and restroom facilities.

Chuck Karpf with the Panhandle Area Development District is working with the city on the project. He says the city should be commended for purchasing the old grocery store and repairing the roof so possibilities now exist for its re-use.

Karpf says the timing is right for the city and PADD over the next year or two to work cooperatively to get grants from the Economic Development Administration and other federal and state agencies to fund the project. Councilman Don Christensen says the small business center can be a Key ingredient" for Gering" and the project should be a priority in the upcoming budget. The city will also be discussing uses for the current library if the Sun-Mart project is successful.