City Accepting Bids on Three Norcross Arts Spaces

The city of Norcross is accepting bids to take over the leases of four downtown city-owned spaces, three of which are dedicated to the arts.

The leases are being negotiated for the Latin American Association, Lionheart Theatre, Kudzu Art Zone and the old rectory formerly known as The Nest. This motion means that the current businesses could lose the spaces if other bids are chosen.

"No one gave us a heads up on this," said Lionheart's Artistic Director Tanya Caldwell, who said she didn't know about it until she saw a notice on the theatre's door last Wednesday. "We have a full year of committed [shows] already, and we have season ticket holders. ... This has really thrown us for a loop."

"This would devastate Kudzu," said David Raderstorf of the gallery, adding that losing the venue could jeopardize a $10,000 matching grant that would benefit the Norcross high schools.

According to city of Norcross Economic Development Manager Rusty Warner and Councilman Charlie Riehm, the city is following Georgia law that states that, when the leases on city-owned property are up and have reached a certain amount of renewals, they need to be advertised as being available for open bids.

"[We're] not saying that we're unhappy with the businesses that are there," Warner continued. "It's just that we have to follow this policy."

The council discussed the bidding in last week's policy work session. It also was noted that the city legally could have put restrictions on the bidding to narrow down the type of bids received, but no conditions have been made.

Still, even if the city receives dozens of offers, the public notice that can be seen at all four spaces clearly states that the city can pick and choose whichever bid wins; it doesn't necessarily go to the highest bidder.

Many members of the Norcross City Council have expressed support for these arts spaces in the past. But because there is no guarantee that these spaces will go back to the same businesses, Kudzu and Lionheart are scared.

"Nothing's [set] in stone," said Caldwell, adding that Lionheart's been in downtown for nine years, with seven of those years in the 10 College St. location. "I'm very frightened. ... We don't want to start over [in a new venue]."

"Norcross is taking a chance at losing two really good solid outfits," said Raderstorf. "We don't ask for anything from the city. We've been self-sufficient for years. ... We were given no opportunity on this thing at all. They just put it out for bids."

Kudzu and Lionheart have asked the community to write or call in to the Norcross City Council, mayor and other city employees to express their support for the arts spaces.

"We're ready to fight for our home, and we hope our following will help us with that," said Caldwell.

The deadline for the open bid process is April 20, and the chosen bids will be announced May 1. The tenants will be determined by a majority vote by the city council.

Caldwell said she and the Lionheart crew plan to follow the instructions and place a bid just like everyone else. As for the old rectory, which is not currently being leased by anyone, Councilman Riehm said he would like for it to go back to being related to the arts with classes and workshops.

See also:

• Norcross Arts Center Takes Leave of Absence
• Do the Arts Need More City Support in Norcross?

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