Norcross Places Three Arts Spaces up for Bid

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."

Read the full story on Norcross Patch.

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See also:

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

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