Alpine group considers digging to lower theater

(Salt Lake Tribune) Alpine » The Alpine Arts Council might be able to squeeze its arts center under the city's height requirement after some digging.

Literally.

City Administrator Ted Stillman told the city council April 27 that the arts council planned to have the lot excavated to lower the entire building by 10 feet.

Jeff Snyder, an arts council member, confirmed the group is considering the option, but has not yet determined how far down it can dig to bring the proposed 619-seat theater as close to the city's 34-foot height limit as possible.

"It's hard to see them turn down this gift," Snyder said, referring to the council's earlier refusal to waive the height requirements for the building.

The center would be financed through private donations.

Snyder said the plans will go back to the Planning Commission sometime in the next month.

April Naidu, the city's planner, said the arts council has not submitted any plans for review yet. She said it will be up to the planning commission and the city council if digging out the lot is acceptable.

The arts council sought a waiver on the height requirement for the fly, which would be at the back of the building. The original proposal was for a 54-foot fly, 20 feet more than allowed by the city.

The fly is a system of ropes, pulleys and counterweights used to raise and lower scenery, curtains and light fixtures above the stage.

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