Plans moving forward on events center in Sturgis

STURGIS, S.D. (KBHB) – Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says they are moving forward with appraisals and inspections of a building they are interested in making a future events center.

The council signed a purchase agreement on the property, known as Mr. Al’s on Main Street, last month, but a lot of work remains before an actual deal could be struck.

For the environmental, Ainslie says there doing a phase one as well as asbestos testing.

Ainslie says they are also looking at the old Massa Berry Clinic building off Lazelle Street. He says the property is less than the Mr. Al’s building and is a newer structure. However, he says the remodeling cost would be higher.

Ainslie says in talking with the owners there, on average, they receive about $5,000 to $10,000 annually through the rally.

Ainslie says the fact that the former Boulder Canyon Convention Center is under new, private ownership, has subsequently added another possible alternative.

The convention center used to serve as the prime location for events that Sturgis is looking to host in a new events center. The convention center closed earlier this year prompting the city to begin searching for a new location for an events center.