Keith Dalton, Town Manager was contacted with respect to renting the space. He asked Main Street to prepare a document for the Mayor and Town Council that would outline how the town would benefit from making the space available to Berryville Main Street. Here’s the letter Berryville Main Street prepared and sent to Dalton on August 29, 2008.
Date: August 29, 2008
To: Wilson Kirby, Mayor of Berryville
From: Berryville Main Street
Subject: Fire House Rental
Thank you for the opportunity to explore ways the town – and indeed the entire community – will benefit by renting the Fire House to Berryville Main Street. As requested, we have identified reasons (seven of them!) why it’s in your interest to take this step.
First though, some background on Main Street’s rationale for renting the Fire House. The excerpt which follows was taken from our 2007-08 Main Street Strategic Work Plan reviewed
and approved by Virginia Main Street.
“We want to support economic revitalization in the most direct way possible – by becoming a “player.” Specifically, we see an opportunity to launch a tourist destination on Main Street by creating a retail shop featuring the work of Berryville and Clarke County artists. Our desire is to rent ground floor space in the old fire house currently housing the town office. This is one of the most cherished buildings on Main."
Once the site is retrofitted, it could easily accommodate office space for Main Street, a small art gallery, and display space for selling local arts and crafts and Main Street merchandise.
We’ve approached a member of the county’s economic development committee who expressed an interest in the idea and willingness to consider helping with the build-out. He suggested we prepare a budget and game plan to bring before the committee for their consideration. We think the creation of a new retail enterprise, appealing to residents and tourists alike, will make a significant long-term contribution to Berryville’s economic vitality. What’s more, we believe Main Street has the energy, human resources, and will to make this endeavor a success.
Here’s how you benefit:
1. Reliable tenant. Main Street has a 16 year record of paying rent on time. So -- no collection, defaults, or eviction worries. Plus, the opportunity for a multi-year lease with mutually agreed upon rental increases.
2. Improved property. Renovating and retrofitting the space to fit the new use means a greatly improved rental property with much of the refurbishment cost borne by others. Renovations will also maximize the historic value of the property on Main.
3. Enhanced Council image. Choosing to rent to an art shop and gallery will not only fill the space, but contribute to the town’s retail inventory, demonstrating that the town council is pro-actively involved in the growth of the commercial sector.
4. Unique retail offering. Art shops and galleries contribute to a town’s image – and energy. At the same time, they are difficult to sustain financially. (Two similar endeavors have gone in – and out of – business in Berryville in the last few years.) Through this venue, fine local artists and artisans will be able to show and sell their work without the financial worries or administrative burdens that go hand with running a business.
5. New shopping destination. Buses arrive daily in Berryville, filled with people who are dining at the Battletown and wine tasting at Veramar Vineyards. Veramar owner, Jim Bogaty, has expressed a wish for other shopping opportunities that would align with his visitor demographic and add value to their experience. Art shop and gallery were two of his suggestions. The need for answers to “what to do in Berryville” will only increase when the Barns’ Visitors’ Center opens.
6. Sturdy hub which will “sprout” new spokes. The Fire House will not only function as a thriving retail space, but also a gathering place for events and activities in the community. In addition it will spawn greater collaboration between area non-profits, such as the Barns and the Historical Association, resulting in joint ventures that will bring greater awareness, foot traffic, and revenue to Berryville.
7. Transformed perception. Most important, a vibrant and appealing retail enterprise on Main Street will send a signal to commercial interests with an eye on Berryville, that the downtown historic district is good place to do business.
New business, new image, new revenue for Berryville – all this is possible IF we can work out a rent that suits both sides. Our budget for 08-09 goes before the board next Wednesday. If an adjustment needs to be made to rental line, we’d like to know it before then. If there’s anything else you need to make a decision, please give a call.
Again, many thanks for the opportunity to outline the advantages of renting the Fire House to Main Street. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
At its September 9, 2008 meeting, the Berryville Town Council voted unanimously to approve renting the former town office to Berryville Main Street to house its office; a“Resource Room” for current and prospective business owners, property owners and residents; art gallery; and retail store -- featuring Berryville Main Street’s current merchandise as well arts, crafts, and other products made by town and county residents.
It directed Town Manager, Keith Dalton to develop and negotiate a lease agreement with Berryville Main Street including start date, monthly rent, and assignment of responsibilities for improvements.