June 19, 2023 8:30p
(WGTD)---A study is underway to chart a more sustainable path for the county-owned Kemper Center park and the non-profit that manages the historic buildings.
A cornerstone of the study is a survey to allow the public to chime in.
Kemper Center spent most of its life as an Episcopalian girls' school. The school closed in 1975 after 105 years of operation. Spurred on by a group of local citizens led by Penny Enroth, the county acquired the nearly 18-acre tract of land and the buildings that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The non-profit leases the facility for $1 a year. Parts of the complex are leased out for offices and artist lofts. It's also a popular wedding and reception venue. Kemper includes the Anderson Arts Center.
Speaking on a recent edition of WGTD's Morning Show, Kemper Center Executive Director Ed Kulbicki said he welcomes the county-funded study. "The buildings can't be torn down or anything," he said. "It's just how can we improve our stance and help sustain ourselves. We're trying to figure out how we can do that and we're all open to good suggestions."
The county has hired Keen Independent Research to perform the study. The study's conclusions are expected to be ready early next year.
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