September 29, 2026 Town Hall

The City of Garden City, Kansas, held a town hall on September 29, 2026, to receive public comment and hear proposals for the future use of the State Theater. Residents raised concerns about the city’s preparedness and communication following recent ICE activity, and called for coordination with community organizations, support for affected families, and public education. No formal action was taken on those comments.

Five proposals were presented for the theater, with a sixth applicant represented by a video; staff reported seven proposals had been submitted through the RFP process. Proposals included historic restoration by the Finney County Preservation Alliance (estimated at $4–$4.5 million, with a request for the city to consider sprinkler-system funding through a CIP); a phased redevelopment concept from Cigar House; the Rabbit Hole concept (preliminary estimate of $128,000–$238,000, with no funding commitments); a Downtown Vision urban plaza proposal seeking approximately $545,000–$825,000 in city-funded demolition, plus $500 monthly and 20% of rental revenue under a proposed lease; a live-performance venue proposal seeking the building and permit support; and Garden City Arts’ offer to purchase the building for $1 and lead an approximately $3 million capital campaign. Garden City Arts reported $21,000 earmarked for the project and a goal of securing at least $1 million in gifts and grants by June 2028. Commissioners took no vote or made no selection; they will submit evaluation scores, staff will obtain answers to follow-up questions, and the matter is expected to return at the October 27 commission meeting.