By james art 
The Fremont Center for the Arts asked the City of Canyon City for help in purchasing their new home.
FCA’s board of directors made the proposal during Monday’s city council meeting.
The Fremont Center for the Arts currently leases the post office, but the lease expires at the end of December. Its board is looking for its new, permanent home, and they’ve set their sights on the Classic Furniture building at 510 Main St.
“Stepping into the Classic Furniture building gives us a chance to dream our dreams and make our visions a reality,” said Kathy Finney, president of the FCA board.
The 19,000 square foot Classic Furniture building is priced at $700,00 and is owned by Rusty and Debbie Lake.
Rusty Lake said he has had offers from a consignment company and a used tool and auto parts company to buy the building, but he would prefer to see FCA move in.
“It’s retail, and it’s the only option we have besides the art center,” he said. “We want to see downtown flourish; we don’t want to see classic furniture empty. It’s a big hole in the center.
A previous board of directors sold the FCA building, now known as the Post Office and owned by UnbridledACTS, in 2019. Finney said the current board has worked for the past five years “to right the wrong with the right.”
“If they’re going to give us the money for a building, then we’re absolutely grateful,” Finney said. “If we were given a grant to acquire our own building, we would be delighted. Whatever happens to ensure that FCA continues, that is the board’s and my aim.”
The proposed renovation of Clock Tower Plaza at Third and Main streets came up during Monday’s conversation. The city has $600,000 in its budget for a 50/50 grant with DOLA, where each entity will contribute $600,000 toward repairs.
“I think what FCA is proposing to do with this building on Main Street is worth significantly more to the city in terms of creating that sense of place, in terms of bringing our students back, in terms of bringing arts and culture in our communities,” said Council Member Amy Schmiser. “I would like to see the FCA go away and I think that kind of partnership where the city acquires an asset and then the FCA manages it is really unique and I think it would cost significantly more than the Clock Tower Square Renovation, for example.”
Mayor Preston Troutman said FCA’s move to Main Street will provide an immediate economic return to citizens and downtown. He said the proposed location would be attractive to FCA and downtown.
“I would put other things on hold just to do this,” he said. “… I’m all for it.”
Shawn Kaufman, owner and operator of Bugling Elk Vineyards and an FCA board member, said if the purchase of the building goes through, he plans to add two ADA-compliant bathrooms for free.
“And I know there are a lot of other people who want to come forward to clarify this,” he said. “The mayor mentioned that this has value; not just a monetary value, there is a long-standing cultural value through art.”
The board has reached out to Fremont County officials about financial support and they currently have just over $100,000 in their fundraising campaign. UnbridledACTS is also hosting a matching fund for FCAs as they transition to a new location. UnbridledACTS will match $1 for $1 up to $25,000 for a total goal of $50,000 by December.
If the city buys the building, officials recommend collecting rent from FCA.
Next steps include city staff gathering FCA’s financials and bids for renovations, including adding sprinklers, and presenting them to the city council for consideration in executive session.
During the presentation, Finney highlighted FCA’s three-year plan if the building becomes theirs.
The gallery and frame shop will continue, but in 2025 they hope to add an artist resource center, retail art supplies, an art salon/library, studio space, a Thursday night market during the summer months, and more.
Hours will increase to six to seven days a week and three more employees will be added.
Phase 2, in 2026, will include adding a makerspace/craft market, expanding Saturday children’s programs, expanding classes for adults, adding a gallery for the visually impaired, dance and more.
In 2027, the final phase, the FCA will expand what works and develop new programmes.
For more information, visit https://www.fremontarts.org/.
Also during the meeting, the council:
- Approved by majority vote, adding a full-time position of Director of Community Development/Deputy City Administrator at an annual cost of $166,840 with benefits. This person will directly manage the Department of Building, Planning and Zoning, and Economic Development and will act as City administrator in their absence. Those who opposed adding the new position were Schmiser and Councilman Tim Dennehy.
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