project. “We are extremely appreciative of the town’s support of our project and the process to get us to this point,” said Jim Calaway, the driving force behind the Surls Center. “After doing our due diligence over the last few months, including getting the library location re-zoned, conversations with potential donors and a true evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of the space, we realize that the Center needs a larger building with options for growth and education, and a bigger footprint for parking,” Calaway continued.
“I have been honored to have Jim Calaway behind this project,” said James Surls, “and we are excited to be evaluating some other land options right here in the midst of Carbondale that will still bring tourists and art lovers to our community as well as fulfill my dream of expanded art education for all ages.”
“We are looking at locations that will provide easy access for bikers and walkers from town, provide plenty of parking for art shows, education programs and special events, in addition to adequate space for exhibit delivery and pick up,” said John Baker, of Baker Design Group, the lead architect on the project. “We will be able to design a much larger building from the ground up that will function better for art display and education than retrofitting the existing Library building.”
“We are really committed to being in Carbondale, and our donors want to see us owning our land and building so we can be a presence here long into the future,” said Surls. “In addition, the release of the Library space will allow another entity to bring something unique to our town.”
The committee presented the decision during the January 14th, Town Trustee meeting.
For more information, please contact: Debbie Patrick at Promotional Concepts (970) 963-6554 x10.
