11-28-13 downtown business owner calls for alternative to retlaw theatre redevelopment

A downtown Fond du Lac business owner is concerned about a proposed redevelopment of the historic Retlaw Theatre building and  wants community feedback  on a proposed alternative.

Commonwealth Development is proposing to tear down the theatre and build an executive hotel on the property.   Ann Kelly owns and operates Wempners’  School of Dance on Sheboygan Street.   Kelly says she is concerned about demolishing the theatre to create parking.  Kelly says in 2001 local business owner Shelly Stayer’s project involved acquiring the Retlaw Theatre and property south of it to create a Children’s Performing Arts Center and a major renovation of the Dance School.  "When it was in full swing I think it was just amazing, I think it was quite the educational situation for the kids that were involved in it,"  Kelly told WFDL news.  "...a lot of life running in and out of that building, a lot of good things happening.  It really had a great start back in 2002 and 2003.  I would love to see it turn back into something along those same lines that she (Stayer) envisioned."    Twelve years later Kelly says she is the only tenant and sole survivor of the project and property.  Kelly says Stayer’s initial plan of bringing dance, drama and music together in one facility and reviving the  theatre is what the community needs.   Kelly has organized a public forum for this Sunday evening to discuss the future of  the property.  The meeting will be held at the dance school starting at 6:30pm Sunday.