City closes on Sunset Lounge - Now what?

Last week, the keys to the Sunset Lounge were officially turned over to the city's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

So now what?!

This is just the beginning, says the head of the CRA.

In addition to the Sunset Lounge itself, the CRA, as of last week now also owns the apartment building on the east side of the lounge, as well as the entire square block in front of the lounge.

That block includes several other apartment buildings that will be knocked down, says CRA Exec. Dir. Jon Ward.

But those demolitions are about the only sure thing for the entire area. The rest is up to residents.

The block will be some sort of public park, but what goes in that park will be up to the neighborhood.

Beginning soon, the CRA will use money from the Knight Foundation to reach out to residents and hear what they want to see in the park. Some ideas include outdoor stages, tributes to African-American musicians who played at the Sunset Lounge, or perhaps spaces for restaurant start-ups or food trucks.

Among the questions to be asked: How large should the park be? What type of activities should be there? What is the look and theme of the park?

"This is an exercise in place making in every sense of the word," said Ward. "We will create a real destination for residents and city visitors alike. This will be a true extension of our downtown."

In addition to renovations outside the lounge, the CRA will also be rehabilitating the inside of the lounge to once again create a premiere music hall.

Total purchase price this week for the Sunset Lounge and surrounding properties was $2.4 million dollars. Right now, the CRA is setting aside another $3 million dollars for all the neighborhood and lounge rehab.