The Black Hawk City Council approved the 221 Gregory Street Renovation and the Grand Stair Project during a regular meeting at 3 p.m. on March 9, 2022, at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk. The Council also approved design services on the Crook’s Palace exterior improvements project.

Public Works Director Tom Isbester, along with with Matt Reed, introduced a resolution awarding the bid and approving the contract between Black Hawk and Palace Construction Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $4,090,695 for the 221 Gregory Street Renovation and the Grand Stair Construction Project.

The 221 Gregory Street Renovation and the Grand Stair Construction Project encompass two distinct construction projects that are close in proximity and will be constructed simultaneously, according to the request for Council action.

First, the old Eureka and Lucky Star Casino building at 221 Gregory Street will be reconfigured to create two retail spaces on the first floor, two retail or office spaces on the second floor, and a common space on each level. An elevator and an interior staircase will be constructed to access the second floor. The exterior of the building will be refurbished to replicate its historic appearance.

Second, the Grand Stair is an exterior steel staircase that will replace the temporary aluminum staircase at the east end of the Livery Lot near 241 Gregory Street. An archway containing signage will be installed over the staircase and decorative lights will be installed as a part of this project.

The Council approved the contract with Palace Construction Company.

Isbester and Reed then introduced a resolution approving the professional services agreement with PEH Architects in an amount not to exceed $26,550.00 for design services on the Crook’s Palace Exterior Improvements Project.

PEH Architects has completed schematic design plans for the Crook’s Palace Exterior Improvements. This project includes an enlarged patio between the building and Gregory Street, addition of a canopy over the patio, exterior stairway and railing modifications near the front door of Crook’s Palace, and other associated work, including flatwork replacement in the vicinity.

This Professional Services Agreement would authorize PEH Architects and their sub-consultants to prepare a complete set of construction plans and specifications necessary to obtain a building permit for this project. PEH Architects would also provide construction administration services through this agreement.

The Council approved the resolution and approved $65,023 to fund the Gregory Street HARD District Business Marketing Association, and thereafter provide annual funding subject to annual appropriations.

As the City continues to develop the HARD (History Appreciation Recreation Destination) District, the City and current businesses within the HARD District identified a need to establish a business association. As a result, a small group of anchor businesses, supported by the City, drafted bylaws and Articles of Incorporation seeking to become a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation under the name of the Gregory Street HARD District Business Marketing Association.

This initial funding is intended only to represent a portion of the total funding for the Association. Future funding will be derived from City funding, membership dues, fundraising, events, auctions, donations and other various sources of revenue. The Association may apply for and receive subsequent grant funding, at which time the Association may seek matching funds from the City.

The Council canceled a motion ratifying a phone poll and approving a request for extended hours for the Monarch Casino’s Special Event Permit for the Hotel Grand Opening. Monarch wanted a searchlight until midnight for their grand opening event on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Town code states they could only have the searchlight on until 10 p.m. or get Council approval. Because the date was so soon, each Council member was called, so the agenda item was to ratify that decision to allow the searchlight past 10:00 p.m. Ultimately, the searchlight was not used.

The next Black Hawk Council meeting will be at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 3 p.m. For more information go to https://site.cityofblackhawk.org/.